Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics

Department Objectives

The Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics exists to provide University of Nebraska at Kearney students with the accounting, finance, and legal knowledge necessary to compete in a global business environment. Specifically, the Department:

provides all students of the University preparing for careers in business the foundation knowledge in accounting, finance and business law necessary to communicate in a business organization;
provides accounting students preparing for careers in public practice, private industry, government, and not-for-profit organizations a substantial foundation in accounting, as well as critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills;
provides finance students preparing for careers in corporate finance, banking, investment counseling, and government financial services a substantial foundation in finance, as well as critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

College of Business and Technology Graduation Requirements

All students graduating with a degree from the College of Business and Technology must take at least 50% of their major area credit hour requirements from the College of Business and Technology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
All students graduating with a degree from the College of Business and Technology must take a minimum of 30 of their last 36 hours of credit needed for their degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
All students graduating with a degree from the College of Business and Technology are required to complete 3 credit hours of designated Experiential Learning (EL) coursework.

Business Administration Major

The Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics offers three emphases in this major:

Business Administration Comprehensive - Bachelor of Science Degree

(Select one Emphasis; two Emphases maximum)

For additional areas of emphasis see departments of Management, and Marketing, Agribusiness, and Supply Chain Management, and Cyber Systems.

Minors

A minor in Accounting, Finance, or Economics is available for students pursuing majors in other disciplines.

Accounting (ACCT)

ACCT 126 – First Year Seminar 1 credit hour

The First-Year Seminar provides students with a multidisciplinary experience in which they approach an issue or problem from the perspective of three different academic differences. The First-Year Seminar will consist of three 1-credit hour courses taken as co-requisites in a single semester. The successful completion of all three courses satisfies the General Studies LOPER 1 course requirement. Students may take the First-Year Seminar in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Students admitted as readmit students or transfer students who transfer 18 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a LOPER 1 course.

ACCT 188 – GS Portal 3 credit hours

Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a portal course.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: First year freshman standing or sophomore standing only.

ACCT 240 – Accounting for Nonbusiness Majors 3 credit hours

The objectives of this course are to introduce students to accounting principles, practices, and procedures and teach them to use accounting information to make business decisions. General topics to be covered include the accounting cycle, current assets, long-lived assets, current liabilities, income, cash flow, analysis of accounting information, and relevant decision making.
Prerequisite: Completion of Loper 4 General Studies Math class.

ACCT 250 – Principles of Accounting I 3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the preparation and use of financial statements. It covers the accounting cycle, current assets, current liabilities, and plant assets. It focuses on financial reporting for service businesses or merchandising businesses organized as corporations.
Prerequisite: Completion of Loper 4 General Studies Math class.

ACCT 251 – Principles of Accounting II 3 credit hours

Continuation of the basic accounting cycle with particular attention given to development of special procedures for control, partnerships, and corporations. Analysis of financial information used within the organization by manufacturing and service businesses.
Prerequisite: ACCT 250

ACCT 253 – Introduction to QuickBooks 1 credit hour

This course provide an introduction to QuickBooks Pro accounting software including setting up a new company and chart of accounts; recording transactions with customers, vendors and employees; understanding internal controls; managing lists; preparing month-end and year-end adjusting journal entries; running reports and customizing them; and changing forms.
Prerequisite: ACCT 250

ACCT 280H – Special Topics 1-3 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

ACCT 311 – Business Law I 3 credit hours

A study of the legal environment of business. Topics include legal theory, and resources, ethics, the court system, torts, contracts, government regulation, property law, and international law considerations.

ACCT 312 – Commercial Law 3 credit hours

A study of the Uniform Commercial Code (including sales, commercial paper, secured transactions), credit/debtor relationships, agency law, and business entities.
Prerequisite: ACCT 311

ACCT 317 – Construction Law 3 credit hours

This course involves the study of the legal environment of business as it relates to construction management. It includes an introduction to legal theory and to the court systems of the United States. The legal framework of the design and construction process will be emphasized. This will include information regarding legal business forms, how to understand and prepare the contracts specifically used in the construction industry, as well as how to enforce contractor rights provided by those contracts.

ACCT 350 – Intermediate Accounting I 3 credit hours

An in-depth study of the theory, concepts, and practice of financial accounting. Focus is on reporting useful information to third parties through basic corporate financial statements.
Prerequisite: ACCT 251

ACCT 351 – Intermediate Accounting II 3 credit hours

A continuation of Intermediate Accounting I with emphasis on the more complex problems of financial reporting.
Prerequisite: ACCT 350

ACCT 352 – Cost Accounting 3 credit hours

Accounting for manufacturing concerns with special emphasis on managerial decisions, as well as on unit and process costs.
Prerequisite: ACCT 251

ACCT 391 – Accounting Information Systems 3 credit hours

The role of accounting information systems within an organization's management information system, information system documentation, transaction cycle reporting; principles of internal control; the use of proprietary general ledger software.
Prerequisite: ACCT 251

ACCT 412 – Employment Law 3 credit hours

A study of the major federal laws and judicial decisions, and selected Nebraska laws and judicial decisions affecting personnel practices nit he private and public sectors. General topics covered include equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, employee and management rights, and legal issues in employment compensation and benefits. Emphasis is placed on Title VII and employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, and national origin. Age and disability discrimination are also covered. Specific topics include employee recruiting, selection, performance appraisal and promotion, wrongful discharge, employee privacy, employment-at-will and current topics.

ACCT 413 – Entrepreneurial Law 3 credit hours

A study of the legal issues faced by entrepreneurs and new ventures including choosing a business entity, franchising, contracts and sales law, non-compete agreements, leases, e-commerce, intellectual property, operational liabilities, insurance, going public, and employment law.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

ACCT 425 – Financial Statement Analysis 3 credit hours

This course takes an in-depth look into company financial statements and shows how information therein can be analyzed and processed to aid many individuals including creditors, investors, managers, consultants, auditors, directors, regulators and employees in their business decisions.
Prerequisite: FIN 308

ACCT 451 – Tax Accounting 3 credit hours

A study of federal income tax concepts and principles, with emphasis on individual and business organization income tax laws, regulations and filing procedures.
Prerequisite: ACCT 251

ACCT 452 – Advanced Tax Accounting 3 credit hours

A continuation of the study of federal income tax concepts and principles.
Prerequisite: ACCT 451

ACCT 453 – Advanced Accounting I 3 credit hours

Special accounting topics relating primarily to the preparation of consolidated financial statements for accounting entities in a parent-subsidiary relationship. Other topics include partnerships, the Securities and Exchange Commission and foreign currency transactions. Prior completion of ACCT 351 is recommended.
Prerequisite: ACCT 350

ACCT 465 – Governmental/Non-Profit Accounting 3 credit hours

Accounting and financial reporting for local and state governments, colleges and universities, health care organizations, voluntary health and welfare organizations, and certain other non-profit organizations.
Prerequisite: ACCT 350

ACCT 470 – Auditing 3 credit hours

Duties and responsibilities of auditors, methods of conducting audits, preparation of audit reports, and special auditing problems. Emphasis on the application of accounting concepts and principles learned. Prior completion of ACCT 351 is recommended.
Prerequisite: ACCT 350

ACCT 471 – Advanced Auditing 3 credit hours

The practical application of auditing standards and procedures in examining financial statements and verifying underlying data. A practice set is required.
Prerequisite: ACCT 470

ACCT 475 – Accounting Internship 1-15 credit hours

A work experience program planned for students preparing for employment in business and industry. The learning experience is organized and supervised by the academic department and personnel of selected industries. Must be approved by the Department.
Total Credits Allowed: 15.00
Prerequisite: Minimum GPA of 2.5 and ACCT 350.

ACCT 491 – Advanced Accounting Information Systems 3 credit hours

This course provides an in-depth analysis of accounting information systems, including the flow of data from source documents through the accounting cycle into reports for decision makers. Special emphasis is placed on the analysis and design of accounting systems, internal controls, as well as applications in financial planning, controlling, and reporting.
Prerequisite: ACCT 391

ACCT 499 – Special Problems in Business 1-3 credit hours

Independent investigations of business problems. Topics to be investigated may be tailored to meet the needs of the student. A case study course designed to integrate the knowledge acquired in other courses in business administration, and to emphasize analysis and decision-making. Must be approved by Department Chair.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

Economics (ECON)

ECON 100 – Contemporary Economic Issues 3 credit hours

This course is designed to help the student acquire an understanding of the U.S. economic system and its influence on current topics important to everyone. The objective of the course is to provide students with a general understanding of economic principles and how they are applied to issues facing the United States. (Not open to students who have previously completed ECON 270, ECON 271, or equivalent.)
Prerequisite: Enrollment not allowed if successfully completed ECON 270 or ECON 271 or equivalent.

ECON 126 – First Year Seminar 1 credit hour

ECON 188 – GS Portal 3 credit hours

ECON 270 – Principles of Economics, Macroeconomics 3 credit hours

A study of the economic system of the U.S. and the underlying principles of production, labor relations, national income, prices, money and banking, and economic policy.

ECON 271 – Principles of Economics, Microeconomics 3 credit hours

This course provides students an introduction to the economic principles and theories which have been developed to explain how firms make decisions on production and input use, how consumers make purchasing decisions, and how firms and consumers interact in the marketplace under differing market conditions. The course prepares students for further study in the field of economics.

ECON 300 – Foundations of Research Methods in Economics and Business 2 credit hours

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the research process in economics and business. Students will gain experience in research methodology by developing/selecting a research topic/question, conducting a literature review, collecting data, selecting and using an appropriate analytical technique, and constructing a persuasive argument supported by theory and empirical evidence.
Prerequisite: ECON 270 and ECON 271 and either MGT 233 or STAT 241

ECON 314 – Public Finance 3 credit hours

Provides a thorough treatment of major topics relating to government expenditures and tax policies. This course will help students develop an understanding of the economic principles that are most useful in examining the government's role in the economy, particularly those principles economists have found helpful in a microeconomic analysis of tax and expenditure policies.
Prerequisite: ECON 270 or ECON 271

ECON 320 – Economic Theory, Intermediate Microeconomics 3 credit hours

Introduction to microeconomic theory regarding the determination of prices and values.
Prerequisite: ECON 271

ECON 321 – Economic Theory, Intermediate Macroeconomics 3 credit hours

Introduction to macroeconomic theory with emphasis on the determinants of income, employment and economic growth.
Prerequisite: ECON 270

ECON 322 – Money and Banking 3 credit hours

A descriptive and analytical study of the basic principles of money, banking and finance as they are related to business and public policy. A study of the creation of the nation's money supply and of the importance of monetary policies upon the performance of the economy.
Prerequisite: ECON 270

ECON 365 – Business Analytics & Decision Making 3 credit hours

This course expands on basic statistical and analytics tools so that students learn to think in terms of patterns and models, understand the value of economic and business data to gain key business insight and analyze market conditions, and learn how modeling supports decision making and can be used to evaluate the impact of choices. It covers fundamentals of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, with a focus on data visualization. Students will use and interpret economic and business data, databases, and output from analytics models.
Prerequisite: ECON 270 or ECON 271 and MGT 233

ECON 380 – Tourism Economics 3 credit hours

This course features an application of economic theory to the human activities of recreation and tourism. Microeconomics, macro-economics, and economic impact analysis will be packaged so that students might synthesize then apply this information to marketing, promotion, and economic development problems.
Prerequisite: ECON 271

ECON 385 – Environmental Economics 3 credit hours

An economic analysis of the nature of pollution problems from cause to possible solutions. Critically evaluates the role of a market economy in preserving environmental quality.
Prerequisite: ECON 100 or ECON 270 or ECON 271

ECON 388 – GS Capstone 3 credit hours

An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior level standing or within 6 hours of completing general studies requirements.

ECON 395 – Labor Economics 3 credit hours

This course examines the organization, functioning, and outcomes of labor markets; the decisions of prospective and present labor market participants; and the public policies relating to the employment of labor resources.
Prerequisite: ECON 271

ECON 410 – Health Care Economics 3 credit hours

An economic analysis of issues related to the provision of health care. Market issues, cost drivers, existing and proposed health care policy approaches are covered.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.

ECON 430 – International Economics 3 credit hours

Introduction to the international economy: the theory of international trade, the balance of payments, economic growth and financial commercial policy.
Prerequisite: ECON 100 or ECON 270 or ECON 271

ECON 445 – Industrial Organization 3 credit hours

This course is concerned with the behavior of firms and the resulting effects on market outcomes and welfare. As such it analyzes firm behavior and market structure within a single industry and discusses the challenges associated with regulation/deregulation of industries and the implementation of antitrust policy.
Prerequisite: ECON 271

ECON 465 – Economics of Transportation 3 credit hours

Nature, role and regulation of transportation, and current economic, legal and policy problems in the field of transportation.
Prerequisite: ECON 271

ECON 475 – Internship 1-12 credit hours

A work experience program planned for students preparing for employment in business and industry. The learning situation is organized and supervised cooperatively by the Economics Department and personnel of selected industries. Work experience includes an acceptable type of wage earning employment in business, manufacturing or processing industry approved by the coordinator.
Total Credits Allowed: 15.00
Prerequisite: Minimum GPA of 2.5 and ECON 270 and ECON 271 and 6 additional hours of 300 to 400 level ECON courses

ECON 485 – Senior Seminar 1 credit hour

This capstone course is designed to allow students to apply economic theory and appropriate methodology to a selected topic. Taught in a seminar style, the course will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of economics, their ability to write effectively, and their ability to communicate effectively by making a professional-level presentation using best available technology.
Prerequisite: ECON 300 and senior standing

ECON 499 – Independent Study and Research in Economics 1-6 credit hours

Individual research under the supervision of a faculty member of the department and approved by the Department Chairman. Topics to be investigated may be tailored to fit the needs of the student.
Total Credits Allowed: 18.00

Finance (FIN)

FIN 126 – First Year Seminar 1 credit hour

FIN 160 – Personal Money Management 3 credit hours

Fundamentals of personal finance: budgeting, banking, life insurance, accident, health, and casualty insurance, investments, taxes, and social security.

FIN 188 – GS Portal 3 credit hours

FIN 280H – Special Topics 1-3 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

FIN 308 – Principles of Finance 3 credit hours

Concepts of firm valuation and capital budgeting, capital structure and cost of capital, and analysis of financial statements.
Prerequisite: ACCT 251 and ECON 271

FIN 309 – Corporate Finance 3 credit hours

The study of financial management concepts with an emphasis on the theory and practical application of the investment and financing decision-making processes.
Prerequisite: FIN 308

FIN 315 – Construction Finance & Accounting 3 credit hours

Basic principles and applications of construction finance with an emphasis on the financial feasibility of a construction project and the acquisition and management of funds needed to profitably build a project. Emphasis will also be placed on construction accounting competencies necessary for business start-up, operations and expansion.
Prerequisite: ACCT 250

FIN 316 – Insurance 3 credit hours

An introduction to risk and risk management as they pertain to most types of personal insurance situations.

FIN 328 – International Financial Management 3 credit hours

Globalization and integration of financial markets present unique opportunities and unique risks for all kinds of firms and investors. This course is designed to provide students with a strong conceptual background for financial decision-making related to international corporate finance and international investing.
Prerequisite: Completion of Loper 4 General Studies Math class.

FIN 344 – Real Estate Principles 3 credit hours

A study of the general principles used in real estate decision making. Topics include economic and ethical considerations, ownership, leases, marketing finance, appraisal, investments, legal issues related to contracts, agency, licensing, discrimination, and career alternatives. This course is approved by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

FIN 422 – Financial Institutions 3 credit hours

The management of commercial bank and non-bank institutions with an emphasis on the lending and investing practices of these institutions.
Prerequisite: FIN 480

FIN 425 – Financial Statement Analysis 3 credit hours

FIN 475 – Finance Internship 1-15 credit hours

FIN 476 – Short-Term Financial Management 3 credit hours

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the principles and techniques of working capital analysis and management. Topics include inventory, accounts receivable and cash systems management, credit and collection systems, and payables and short-term financing analysis and management.
Prerequisite: FIN 308

FIN 480 – Investments 3 credit hours

Theory and analysis of investment vehicles including stocks, bonds and money market investments. Analysis of portfolio construction.
Prerequisite: FIN 308 and ECON 270

FIN 481 – Portfolio Management 3 credit hours

This course extends the principles of security analysis, portfolio construction, and portfolio management. The process of creating, managing, and evaluating an investment portfolio is examined through a series of lectures, quantitative projects, and experiential learning.
Prerequisite: FIN 309 and FIN 480

FIN 482 – Case Studies in Financial Management 3 credit hours

Financial analysis and decision-making using advanced case studies of business and some specialized organizations.
Prerequisite: FIN 309 and FIN 476 and FIN 480

FIN 490 – Essentials of Financial Accounting & Corporate Finance 3 credit hours

Students study essential elements of financial accounting and corporate finance in preparation for graduate level study of finance. Concepts of financial statement composition and analysis, time value of money, capital market theories, firm valuation, capital budgeting, and capital structure are emphasized. Students taking this class should be comfortable with algebra.

FIN 499 – Special Problems in Business 1-3 credit hours