Finance

319 Somsen Hall (507.457.5165)
Mark Wrolstad (Chairperson)

Faculty

David W. Kesler, Professor; BS, Pacific Lutheran University; MA, MBA, University of Kansas; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 1984 –
Chan-Wung Kim, Professor; BA, SungKyunKwan University; MBA, Seoul National University; PhD, University of Iowa; 2002 –
Michael Murray, Professor; BA, University of South Florida; MA, PhD, University of Notre Dame; 1986 –
Mark Wrolstad, Professor; BA, Luther College; MBA, University of Florida; PhD, University of Colorado; 1989 –

Purpose

The purpose of the Finance program is to develop highly employable professional business analysts and managers. Majors are provided with a firm understanding of the economy and its financial systems, the ability to conceptualize business issues, and the opportunity to develop quantitative and computer skills necessary to solve today’s complex business problems. The department also seeks to provide graduates with the background necessary to pursue graduate degrees.

College of Business Admissions Policy

Admission to the College of Business (COB) for College of Business BS majors and minors is required before students may enroll in 300- and 400-level classes.† Students must meet the following specific requirements:

30 or more earned credits at the time of application.
Cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of “C”:

† Non-College of Business majors and minors must have junior status and instructor’s permission to take COB 300- and 400-level courses.

‡ COB minors with Non-COB major: Completion of math and statistics courses required by their major or, if none are required, these students should take any college-level math and statistics courses.

Pass/No Credit (P/NC) Courses

Except for internships, students must take all courses in their major, minor, and options on a grade-only basis. The P/NC option is available to non-majors unless otherwise noted. Courses offered on a pass/no credit-only or grade-only basis are so designated in the course descriptions.

Graduation Requirements

For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see the Academic Policies & University Requirements section of this catalog. Specific requirements for finance majors are as follows.

Complete all coursework required for the major.
Achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses counted toward the major.
Complete a minimum of 50% of the business requirements for the finance major at WSU.

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The Finance Department offers the following intensive courses in the University Studies Program:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

◎ FIN 421 - Institutional Investment and Financial Markets (3)

Writing (△)

△ FIN 463 - Cases in Financial Management (3)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy economics and finance major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.