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Finance

12:1
RATIO
Of students to faculty
CFA
Institute
Affiliated program
96%
EMPLOYMENT RATE
of surveyed alumni within 9 months of graduation

Guide people and businesses on the path to financial success

Develop in-demand expertise in a critical business function

Maximize actionable business strategy from balance sheets, business projections, and financial portfolios with your fine-tuned financial analysis skills. Money is the backbone of all business, but it takes an ambitious and focused mind to translate data into profit.

Develop leadership skills alongside practical skills around banking, portfolio management, financial analysis, statistics, and more in our finance program. Specifically designed to streamline your understanding of the financial world to fast-track your entrance into high-demand financial career fields, you will gain practical hands-on experience as you explore the world of financial services.

Why should I choose MMU?

Practical skills from industry leaders

Start with basic budgeting and build your understanding of advanced financial management concepts.

You'll learn analytical skills from faculty with real world financial experience, including interpreting statistics, accurate reporting, developing effective projections, and translating these skills into actionable business strategy.

Both traditional students and working professionals can develop confidence and leadership skills that are essential for the always-changing worlds of commercial lending, corporate finance, securities analysis, financial planning, and more.

CFA Institute affiliated program

Our finance program is recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliate Program as our curriculum assists students in preparing for CFA(R) exams. This industry standard of excellence gives Mount Mercy finance students a competitive edge upon graduation.

The CFA charter credential is the most difficult to obtain in the finance field and also the most respected. Through the CFA program, we're able to award up to six scholarships per year to students for the CFA exam—saving you roughly $1,000. 

Find your path to success in the financial field.

Businesses of all sizes have financial management needs that you will be able to fill as a Mount Mercy University graduate. The leadership and communication skills you will gain through the program will lead you to success in any industry in companies both local and global.

We partner with organizations like Transamerica, Alliant Energy, Collins Aerospace, and others to get you in the door with internships that allow you to gain practical experience in real-world scenarios.

The finance program also offers a minor which is a great companion to other business majors. For some students, continuing on for a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Mount Mercy is their next step—or one of our three other graduate Business & Leadership programs.

Tom Budde '17

"It's a direct result of my education that I'm now working as an investment analyst at Aegon Asset Management where I have to understand all of it and understand it well. MMU was the launch pad for my career."

What courses will I take?

Core Requirements for all Business Majors

Required:
BA 203Principles of Law3
BA 250Technology & Communication In Business3
BA 270Business Statistics3
or MA 135 Basic Statistics
BA 379Financial Management3
BA 435Senior Seminar in Business3
or BA 436 Business Strategy Seminar
BC 265Principles Of Accounting I3
BC 266Principles Of Accounting II3
BK 208Principles Of Marketing3
BN 204Principles Of Management3
EC 251Macroeconomics Principles3
EC 252Microeconomic Principles3
Choose One of the Following:3
MA 130
Finite Mathematics
MA 132
Basic Mathematical Modeling
MA 139
Pre-Calculus
MA 164
Calculus I (Required for Actuarial Science Majors)
Internship - use course number which corresponds to your major:3
BA 425
Finance Internship
BC 425
Accounting Internship
BK 421
Marketing Internship
BN 424
Management Internship
GS 424
Experiential Learning
The internship credits used for the business core CANNOT double count as a major elective.
Total Hours39

Finance Major (Core business requirements plus 18 additional semester hours)

Business Core39
Required
BA 344Investments 13
BA 420Cases In Finance3
EC 366Money and Banking 23
One BC course numbered 300 or above3
Choose Two of the Following:6
BA 320
Applied Financial Reporting
BA 350
Risk Management
BA 360
Securities Analysis
BA 425
Finance Internship
Total Hours57
1

Cannot double count for the management or business majors or economics minor.

2

Cannot double count for management or business majors but does double count for economics minors.

 Academic Requirements for the Finance Major

All finance majors must achieve a minimum grade of C- in each of the following courses: BC 265 Principles Of Accounting I, BC 266 Principles Of Accounting II, BA 344 Investments, BA 379 Financial Management, BA 420 Cases In Finance, EC 251 Macroeconomics Principles, EC 252 Microeconomic Principles, EC 366 Money and Banking, and the upper level accounting course. Finance majors must achieve a minimum grade of C- in both finance electives as well. This applies to equivalent courses transferred from other institutions.

See Academic Requirements for all business department majors and minors found in the Business Administration section of the Catalog.

Finance Minor

Required:
BA 344Investments 13
BA 379Financial Management3
BA 420Cases In Finance3
BC 265Principles Of Accounting I3
BC 266Principles Of Accounting II3
EC 251Macroeconomics Principles3
EC 252Microeconomic Principles3
EC 366Money and Banking 23
Choose one accounting course numbered 300 or above3
Total Hours27
1

Cannot double count for the management or business majors or economics minor.

2

Cannot double count for management or business majors but does count for economics minor.

All finance minors must achieve a minimum grade of C- in each of the following courses: BC 265 Principles Of Accounting I, BC 266 Principles Of Accounting II, BA 344 Investments, BA 379 Financial Management, BA 420 Cases In Finance, EC 251 Macroeconomics Principles, EC 252 Microeconomic Principles, EC 366 Money and Banking, and the upper level accounting course.

See Academic Requirements for all business department majors and minors found in the Business Administration section of the Catalog.

The following is the typical sequence of courses required for the major*: 

Freshman
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
Portal3Elective3BN 2043
Writing Competency4 BK 2083
MA 130 (or higher)3 BA 2503
CO 1013 Literature Domain3
  Elective3
 13 3 15
Sophomore
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
BC 2653Elective3BC 2663
EC 2513 EC 2523
BA 2033 Philosophy Domain3
Natural World Domain4 Global Awareness Domain3
  Elective3
 13 3 15
Junior
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
EC 3663BC 3153BA 2703
BA 3793 Finance Elective3
BA 3443 Holistic Health Domain3
Religious Studies Domain3 Self and Society Domain3
Elective3 Elective3
 15 3 15
Senior
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
Finance Elective3Elective3BA 4203
BA 4353 Historical Roots Domain3
Fine Arts Domain3 BA 4253
Elective3 Elective3
  Elective1
 12 3 13
Total Hours: 123

Note: Elective courses could be used for a second major, a minor, a course of interest, internship or study abroad experience.

Note: See the Curriculum section for more information on Portal, Competency, Domain, and Capstone courses.

*Disclaimer

The course offerings, requirements, and policies of Mount Mercy University are under continual examination and revision. This Catalog presents the offerings, requirements, and policies in effect at the time of publication and in no way guarantees that the offerings, requirements, and policies will not change.

This plan of study represents a typical sequence of courses required for this major. It may not be applicable to every student. Students should contact a department faculty member to be sure of appropriate course sequence.

Courses

BA 101 Business 101: 1 semester hour

In preparation for their entry into the business department, students will explore skills necessary for success in the business world. They will explore all the business majors offered here so students gain an overall understanding of careers and courses of different majors and minors. This course will define professionalism and employer expectations. They will write two business orientated communications: email and two-page research project using APA. They will write a resume for an internship and prepare an elevator speech. They will explore the skills of teamwork, goal setting, assertive communication, and time management necessary to establish success in college and in the business environment. There will be a brief overview of all business department majors and associated careers, presented by the major coordinator, as well as introduction to business clubs, organizations, and Mount Mercy University volunteer missions.

BA 203 Principles of Law: 3 semester hours

This course provides a broad look at the American legal system. It includes a discussion of legal reasoning, the structure of the legal system, and several substantive areas of the law that are general practical interest. These specific topics include contracts, torts, administrative law, and agency law. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

BA 240 Personal Financial Planning: 3 semester hours

This course examines basic financial skills which each of us must develop over our lifetime. Personal financial statements, calculating net worth, cash management tools, wise use of credit, and managing credit card debt are explored first. Also included is an overview of the federal tax system, tips to minimize the "tax bite", tax-deferred savings plans (IRA's and 401K's) and personal investing strategies for stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. In addition, topics will include the benefits of home ownership (tax savings and appreciation), use of escrow accounts, the benefits of mortgage and home equity debt, and the services a real estate broker can provide. The course also explores a variety of insurance products available (term life, permanent life, auto, medical), social security and retirement benefits, the basic provisions of a will, the use of trusts, and how to minimize gift/estate/inheritance taxes. The course may not be applied to any major or minor within the Business Administration Division.

BA 250 Technology & Communication In Business: 3 semester hours

In this course, students will study technology, research and communication as it relates to the business environment. Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation. In addition, students will be required to complete a research paper using a specified format and to make a professional presentation using presentation software (i.e. PowerPoint). Research using the internet will be required. The various communication skills required of professionals in the business area will also be studied. This includes, but is not limited to, e-mail, team building, conducting a meeting and cooperative problem solving. This course is required of all business majors at Mount Mercy and must be taken at Mount Mercy. Prerequisites: Completion of the speech and freshman writing core curriculum requirements. Four-year Mount Mercy students take BA 250 during their sophomore year. All transfer students take BA 250 in their first semester at Mount Mercy or in the sophomore year if a freshman transfer.

BA 270 Business Statistics: 3 semester hours

This course studies descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on business applications. Topics include: measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability and probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypotheses testing, and an introduction to correlation and regression. Prerequisites: one year of high school algebra or MA 008 or departmental approval.

BA 300 Entrepreneurship: 3 semester hours

This course will teach students how to start and run their own business. Students will learn what constitutes an attractive investment opportunity, where to go for financing, how to keep accurate accounting records, and how to comply with state and federal tax laws. They will also learn about management, law, marketing, etc. Individual business owners will be utilized as speakers in the class. There will be a group project in which students will be required to develop a business plan. Prerequisites: BC 265, BC 266, BN 204, and BK 208. Offered spring semesters.

BA 305 Employment Law and Labor Relations: 3 semester hours

This is a survey course that looks at the history and development of employment law in the United States. We will look closely at the current legal issues found in case law, statutory law and regulations. We will also study the labor relations and collective bargaining system addressing issues such as wages, benefits and grievance procedures. Formerly BA 205. Prerequisite: BA 203.Offered online, block schedule.

BA 310 Dispute Resolution: 3 semester hours

Conflict is a fact of life. How we resolve our differences with our friends, neighbors, bosses, employees, customers, government, spouse and children makes a difference. In this course we will look at the techniques of principled negotiation that will help reach a wise agreement that satisfies all parties. We will also discuss other dispute resolution processes such as litigation, mediation, and arbitration. Classes will include role-plays and group projects to practice the techniques studied. Formerly BA 210. Prerequisite: BA 203.

BA 320 Applied Financial Reporting: 3 semester hours

This course will teach students how to analyze financial statements in detail. The financial statements will be approached from the users' perspective rather than the preparers' perspective. The course will combine the case approach with the lecture approach so students can apply the concepts learned to real businesses. Prerequisites: BC 265 and BC 266. Offered fall semesters.

BA 330 Estate Planning: 3 semester hours

This course covers the best way for assets to be transferred in a manner consistent with the wishes of the client while minimizing taxes and other fees. Prerequisite: BA 203.

BA 344 Investments: 3 semester hours

This course teaches students about a broad range of investment opportunities as well as how to analyze those opportunities. These opportunities are discussed in conjunction with investment goals. Additionally the course teaches students about various securities valuation techniques. Prerequisites: BC 265 and BC 266. Offered fall semesters.

BA 350 Risk Management: 3 semester hours

This course involves an overview of the managerial and administrative processes designed to minimize loss and the impact on the organization. This includes general liability, product liability, property damage, and worker's compensation. In this course students also examine methods used to evaluate both business and personal risk with particular emphasis on which methods can be used to minimize such risk in a cost-effective manner. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Offered online, block schedule.

BA 360 Securities Analysis: 3 semester hours

This course is intended to be a follow-up course to the Investments course. This course will involve a very hands-on approach to valuing entire entities. Students will learn how to assess the prospects and the risk of a company and they will learn to value companies using a variety of approaches such as discounted cash flow analysis and various valuation metrics. Prerequisite: BA 344. Offered spring semesters.

BA 365 Financial Products: 3 semester hours

This course is designed to benefit students as consumers and would greatly benefit any student contemplating a career as a financial advisor. There are many different financial products in existence such as various types of life insurance products, annuities, structured vehicles, market linked notes, etc., with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. These products may be suitable for one investor and not for another due to a variety of factors such as age, risk tolerance, financial situation, family situation, etc. This course will explain each type of product, the strengths and weaknesses for each product, and the type of investor profile that may benefit from each type. Prerequisite courses: BA 379 Financial Management or BA 344 Investments.

BA 370 Quantitative Methods For Business: 3 semester hours

This course will expand on the material covered in the introductory course and introduce the topics of multiple regression and correlation, nonparametric methods of analysis, index numbers, time series analysis, decision making under uncertainty, and statistical quality control. Prerequisite: BA 270.

BA 371 Sport Event and Facility Management: 3 semester hours

This course provides students with an understanding of how sport events and facilities are managed. Students will analyze and evaluate management aspects like daily operations and functions, staffing, sponsorships, budgets, short- and long-term planning, and risk, emphasizing their application in practical situations. Prerequisite: BN 204 or instructor permission. Offered fall semesters.

BA 373 Sports Law: 3 semester hours

This course focuses on covering topics of professional and non-professional sports law issues. It includes a focus on the regulatory nature of domestic and international sport to include interscholastic, intercollegiate and Olympic sports. Integrated topics will include governing bodies such as the NAIA, NCAA and professional level regulations related to the use of agents, gender-related issues surrounding Title IX, testing for performance enhancing drugs, labor unions and current topics in sporting law. Prerequisite: BA 203. Offered spring semesters, odd calendar years.

BA 375 Financing Sports Organizations: 3 semester hours

This course builds upon courses in finance and accounting with application to the financial management of a sporting organization related. This includes refining skills in fiduciary responsibility while covering topics in financial analysis, business analytics, environmental/economic scanning, and taxation to help in managing decisions. Prerequisite: BC 265 and BC 266. Offered spring semesters, even calendar years.

BA 379 Financial Management: 3 semester hours

This is a decision-oriented course that emphasizes maximization of shareholder wealth. It includes a study of such concepts as cash flow, ratio analysis, financial forecasting, leverage, the time value of money, the capital budgeting process, and securities valuation. Prerequisites: BC 265 and BC 266.

BA 410 Financial Planning: 3 semester hours

This course will require students to complete the financial planning process from start to finish for a complex family situation. This process will include obtaining qualitative and quantitative information regarding the client’s personal situation; analyzing the client’s current course of action along with alternative courses of action; developing financial planning recommendations; presenting the financial planning recommendations; and monitoring the progress of the financial plan and update as necessary. The topics to be covered include professional conduct and regulation; general principles of financial planning; risk management and insurance planning; investment planning; tax planning; retirement savings and income planning; estate planning; and the psychology of financial planning. Prerequisite: BA 330, BA 344, BA 350, BA 365, BA 379.

BA 420 Cases In Finance: 3 semester hours

This course will teach students how to analyze financial cases. The case method of instruction simulates the "real world" by exposing students to actual situations where financial decisions must be made. Students must use their prior knowledge of finance and common sense to arrive at recommendations for each case. This process should enable students to sharpen their technical finance skills and enhance their ability to use subjective judgment in decision-making. Prerequisite: BA 344 and BA 379. Offered spring semesters.

BA 425 Finance Internship: 3 semester hours

Students may take advantage of internship opportunities which become available in the field of finance. These internships include off-campus supervision at local businesses and periodic conferences with the on-campus instructor. The on-campus instructor will determine any further requirements on an individual basis. (Maximum of one semester credit for each 3 hours per week for the semester spent at an outside company up to a maximum of 6 semester hours).

BA 430 Selected Topics in Business: 3 semester hours

This course includes an examination of major issues or topics in business. Course content and subtitle will vary. The course may be repeated with consent of the instructor. Offered winter term.

BA 435 Senior Seminar in Business: 3 semester hours

Capstone course designed to integrate knowledge of marketing, finance, economics, management, and accounting to be applied to various types of business and institutional situations. The method of instruction includes case studies, class discussion and readings. Prerequisites: BA 250, BA 379, BK 208, BN 204 and senior standing.

BA 436 Business Strategy Seminar: 3 semester hours

This is a capstone course designed to assist the student to integrate and apply knowledge of marketing, finance, economics, management, and accounting in the student's field of interest. Students will develop strategic plans using theoretical and actual case studies. This course is the required capstone course in the Business major in the Advance program. Prerequisites: BN 204, BK 208, BA 379.

BA 445 Business Administration Independent Study: 3 semester hours

If a student wishes to do individual study and/or research of a particular topic, he/she should contact the appropriate member of the department as a supervising instructor, as well as register through and obtain consent of his/her advisor.

What are the next steps?

Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.

We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.

Learn more about:

We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.

  1. Create your application
  2. Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
  3. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:

* Mount Mercy University Admissions
  1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"

For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.

You can transfer up to 75 credits from an Iowa community college or up to 93 credits from a regionally accredited 4-year university

Veterans may also earn credit for military training via the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

Careers in finance

High-demand positions across all sectors

Mount Mercy finance graduates benefit from a well-established relationship with the local business community, who are always in search of qualified graduates. 

Our graduates have found jobs locally and nationally at companies like AEGON, Great America Financial Company, Raytheon, AXA Advisors, and more.

You will find Mount Mercy finance graduates working in positions like: 

  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Advisor
  • Investment Banker
  • Loan Officer
  • Financial Planner
  • Investment Analyst
  • Bank Manager