BBA in Finance

BBA in Finance Program Overview

Every corporate team needs a member who can tie their activities to the financial success of the firm, making finance degree holders highly sought after by all departments, finance-related or otherwise. Our AACSB-accredited online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance helps you develop a well-rounded financial management skill set that can make you invaluable to any financial organization in the world. While a degree in finance is one of the most valuable business degrees on its own, during your studies you’ll explore key topics in finance, including many you’ll need to earn career-transforming Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations in the future if you choose to do so. After finishing your required introductory courses, you can customize your BBA program toward your interests, choosing from a variety of electives.

Designed to accommodate your professional and personal responsibilities, our affordable, flexible program is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to complete coursework anywhere, 24/7, on your own schedule. Along the way, you’ll be guided by faculty advisors with significant experience in the field of finance. 

Alumni Pathways 

Kick-start your career by earning your BBA in finance online at UT Permian Basin. As a graduate, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of accounting, business, and statistics principles. With all these skills in high demand in the world of finance, it’s no wonder so many of our alumni experience career success. Below are just a few of the firms and institutions our alumni work for:  

  • Bank of America
  • Wells Fargo
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Edward Jones
  • Charles Schwab
  • Citigroup
  • Chevron
  • ExxonMobil
  • Community National Bank
  • Frost Bank
  • USAA
  • American Airlines Group

Career Potential for BBA in Finance Graduates

Earning an online BBA in finance from UT Permian Basin equips you with expertise that can position you for rewarding professional roles, including: 

General Education

42 credits required. In addition to the general education courses below, you will need to take two life/physical science courses, including lab (8 credit hours), one course in the area of language, philosophy, and culture (3 credit hours), and one creative arts course (3 credit hours).

Courses
Duration
Credits
ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
8 weeks
3
The study of art, its role in society, the creative process, and standards of artistic judgment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non Science Majors Laboratory
8 weeks
1
The laboratory will provide practical and interactive experiments and demonstrations of concepts covered in BIOL 1308.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors
8 weeks
3
A survey of the fundamental principles that apply to living organisms. These include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, physiology, biodiversity, and ecology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 1115 - Communication Lab
8 weeks
1
Practical activities across the sub-disciplines of the field of communication.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Fall A 2025
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
8 weeks
3
A description of major economic problems facing modern societies is presented together with how the capitalistic market system addresses these issues. The emphasis is on macroeconomics theory and practice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
8 weeks
3
Individual consumer and producer choices are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand relationships, utility concepts, and cost and revenue curves as they relate to price theory and various forms of competition. Completion of ECON 2301 is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
ENGL 1301 - Composition I
16 weeks
3
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all fields of knowledge. Students enrolling in Composition I will be expected to have a good command of standard written English.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 1302 - Composition II
16 weeks
3
Composition II covers argument, rhetorical analysis and the research paper. In this course students analyze and respond to texts of various kinds through essays and research papers. Students will learn to defend their points of view by using textual evidence and strong rhetoric. Readings and exercises help student learn to write broad-minded, well-informed essays in polished academic prose that moves and educates the reader.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in the physical geological sciences.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1102 - Historical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in historical geology, with emphasis on paleontology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology
8 weeks
3
Survey of Earth’s structure, composition, and the dynamic processes that have resulted in the modern distribution of the Earth’s geographic regions, landforms, resources, and geologic hazards.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1302 - Historical Geology
8 weeks
3
Study of Earth’s origin, geologic time, and the major sequential physical and biological events that culminate in the modern distribution of ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on the geological history of North America.
Prerequisites: GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
Semesters Offered: N/A
HIST 1301 - History of the United States to 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from European colonization through Reconstruction.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 1302 - History of the United States Since 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations
16 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their cultural, political, and economic interactions from roughly 1500 to modern globalization.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2024
MATH 1314 - College Algebra
16 weeks
4
Study of quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025
MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics I
16 weeks
3
Modern applications of mathematics including graph theory, optimization, data organization, and social decision models.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 2412 - Precalculus
16 weeks
4
College algebra (sets, functions, relations, logic), trigonometry (circular functions, logarithms, and exponential functions), and analytic geometry (standard form conic sections).
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1301 - Jazz, Pop & Rock
8 weeks
3
Historical introduction to jazz and the American popular song, including rock and roll.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
8 weeks
3
A non-technical survey course designed for the intelligent appreciation of Western and non-Western music styles represented throughout history. Recordings, videos, and live performance help illustrate the influence of music within the various fine arts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
8 weeks
3
Foundation for the understanding of basic psychological principles affecting human behavior
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Summer B 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Spring A 2026 Spring B 2026 Summer A 2026 Whole Summer 2026 Summer B 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Fall A 2026 Fall B 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Spring A 2027 Spring B 2027 Summer A 2027 Whole Summer 2027 Summer B 2027 Whole Fall 2027 Fall A 2027 Fall B 2027 2028 Fall B 2028
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
8 weeks
3
Students are introduced to the basic concepts and theories used to study the nature of social processes and the structure of society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
Lower-Level Business

18 credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
ACCT 2301 - Principles of Financial Accounting
8 weeks
3
Introduction to concepts and principles of accounting, to include: recognition, analysis, measurement, and recording of monetary information in business transactions. Emphasis of the course will be on understanding financial reporting for external users.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Summer A 2025 Summer B 2025
ACCT 2302 - Principles of Managerial Accounting
8 weeks
3
Introduction to the use of financial and non-financial accounting information for management, decision making, and control.
Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 - Principles of Financial Accounting MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
BUSI 1301 - Business Principles
8 weeks
3
This course provides a survey of economic systems, forms of business ownership, and consideration for running a business. Students will learn various aspects of business, management, and leadership functions; organizational considerations; and decision-making processes. Financial topics are introduced, including accounting, money and banking, and securities markets. Also included are discussions of business challenges in the legal and regulatory environment, business ethics, social responsibility, and international business. Emphasized is the dynamic role of business in everyday life.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024
BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics
8 weeks
3
The course is an introduction to the principles of statistics and their application to problems in business and economics. Topics include the basics of probability theory, descriptive statistics, sampling methods, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and the basics of linear regression. Prerequisite(s): MATH 1324
Prerequisites: MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024
BUSI 2345 - Data Analysis with Excel
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to introduce students to the more advanced data analysis features and tools in Excel. The course includes an exploration of basic mathematical and statistical formulas and functions, data validation, data visualizations tools, and familiarity and add-ins like Power Pivot, Analysis Toolpak, and Solver.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
8 weeks
3
Individual consumer and producer choices are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand relationships, utility concepts, and cost and revenue curves as they relate to price theory and various forms of competition. Completion of ECON 2301 is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
Business Core

24 credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
ACCT 3333 - Information System Fundamentals
8 weeks
3
Introduction to the organizational and managerial foundations of information systems. The role of information systems in enhancing business processes and management decision making is emphasized. Students experience use of business application software in problem solving.
Prerequisites: COSC 1335 - Computers and Problem Solving
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024 Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Summer B 2025
BUSI 3311 - Business Communications
8 weeks
3
This course is an introduction to the basic interpersonal communication process through appropriate communications technology with applications for business organizations. It is a systems approach to planning, researching, organizing, composing, editing, and revising reports and other business related communications. Oral presentations are required. Business communication ethics are explored. Prerequisite: Two semesters of freshman English and COMM 1315 are required.
Prerequisites: COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024
FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
8 weeks
3
Survey of foundational concepts in finance; in particular, discounted cash flow analysis and its application to valuation of bonds, stocks, and corporate capital assets. Introduction to the following topics: bond and stock markets; pricing mechanisms in those markets; relationship between risk and return; capital budgeting methods based on discounted cash flow valuation.
Prerequisites: ACCT 2302 - Principles of Managerial Accounting BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
MNGT 3310 - Principles of Management
8 weeks
3
Fundamental concepts of management including principles of administration, modern organization theory, goal-setting, leadership, and decision-making. This is a study of the impact of societal influences and ethical consideration on business decision-making. Special attention is given to business stakeholder relationships and the role of the organization in the community.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024
MNGT 3340 - Production Operations Management
8 weeks
3
This course examines the planning, design, execution, and coordination of all activities that create goods or provide services. It addresses how upper-level management can improve decision-making in both the manufacturing and service sectors. The course introduces productivity, competitiveness, and strategy; decision-making; quality management; product and service design; process selection and capacity planning; linear programming; facility layout; location planning and analysis; the transportation model; project management; design of work systems; and learning curves.
Prerequisites: BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024
MRKT 3300 - Principles of Marketing
8 weeks
3
Survey of marketing fundamentals with focus upon product, price, promotion, and distribution within the context of business decision-making.
Prerequisites: ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024
MNGT 4375 - Strategic Management (Capstone)
8 weeks
3
This is the capstone course of the business administration degree. Based on environmental analysis, the formulation and implementation of strategic decisions within the organization are addressed. Emphasis is placed on integration of decisions at the functional areas. A supplemental fee is required for this course.
Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 - Principles of Financial Accounting MNGT 2342 - Principles of Statistics
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall B 2025 Spring B 2026 Summer B 2026
Major Courses

12 credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
ACCT 3301 - Intermediate Accounting I
16 weeks
3
In-depth study of accounting theory, generally accepted accounting principles, and the techniques involved in measuring, recording, summarizing, and reporting financial data for business organizations. Prerequisites are ACCT 2301 and ACCT 2302 or ACCT 6301.
Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 - Principles of Financial Accounting ACCT 2302 - Principles of Managerial Accounting ACCT 6301 - Accounting Analysis
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Summer 2025
ACCT 3310 - Accounting for Business Decision-Makers
8 weeks
3
Topics include income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, and extended coverage of issues related to current assets, long-term assets, current liabilities, bonds, and shareholder’s equity. 
Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 - Principles of Financial Accounting ACCT 2302 - Principles of Managerial Accounting
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2024 Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Whole Summer 2025
FINA 4320 - International Finance
8 weeks
3
The application of finance principles in financial management of international corporations, including analysis of the financing of investment abroad and the management of assets in global financial environments. The course also covers currency exchange mechanisms in theory and practice, including international monetary systems and currency risk management, including interest rate and currency derivatives.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: N/A
FINA 4321 - Intermediate Corporate Finance
8 weeks
3
Foundational concepts of modern financial management. Emphasizes the role of financial markets in decision-making. Applies models for risk and return to determine cost of capital needed to value long-term investments by the company. Analyzes theory and practice of how corporations choose the optimal mix of long-term financing and how this choice is influenced by taxes, financial distress, and agency problems. Other topics include financial derivatives and their applications in financial management. Course is a continuation of FINA 3320.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: N/A
FINA 4323 - Financial Markets and Institutions
8 weeks
3
Comprehensive survey of institutions and instruments of modern financial markets. Topics may include depository institutions, non-depository financial intermediaries, investment banking, underwriting and issuance of securities, brokerage services, government and corporate debt, determinants of interest rates, mortgage-backed securities, and other types of securitized assets. Prerequisite: BUSI 2342.
Prerequisites: BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics
Semesters Offered: N/A
FINA 4327 - Principles of Investments
16 weeks
3
Survey of financial investment decision-making. History of financial markets and implications for modern investors. Basic principles of security valuation. Analysis of time series of asset class returns for the purpose of estimating risk and expected return, introduction to principles of modern portfolio theory, including the efficient market hypothesis, and behavioral finance. Prerequisite(s): FINA 3320 with a “C” or better.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: N/A
Finance Electives

9 credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
FINA 3331 - Principles of Real Estate
8 weeks
3
Topics discussed include how to value, purchase, finance, and sell residential as well as commercial real estate. Other concepts include tax implications and purchases from foreclosure and tax sales. No prerequisites, can be taken by any major.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024
FINA 3324 - Financial Planning
8 weeks
3
This course exposes students to introductory-level personal financial planning concepts utilizing basic financial planning skills and tools. Topics include insurance, investment, income tax, retirement, and estate planning. No prerequisites, can be taken by any major.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024
FINA 4322 - Management of Financial Institutions
8 weeks
3
Introductory class related to financial and risk management concepts for financial institutions such as a variety of banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds. Topics include monetary policy and its impact on financial institutions, financial institutions’ industry structure, and competition and risk management in financial institutions. Prerequisite: FINA 3320.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
FINA 4325 - Options and Futures
16 weeks
3
Introduction to options, futures, and other derivative securities. Topics include option valuation models, principles of forward and futures pricing, structure of markets for derivative securities, and strategies for hedging and speculation. Prerequisite: FINA 3320.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: N/A
FINA 4331 - Energy Finance
8 weeks
3
Study of financing decisions in the energy industry. Introduction to financial principles, energy financing strategies, and financial statement analysis of energy firms and the energy industry. Topics include risk management and the finance of energy trading. Prerequisite: FINA 3320.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: N/A
FINA 4333 - Healthcare Finance
8 weeks
3
This course offers an introduction to accounting, financial theory and practice in health care settings. It is designed to familiarize students with important financial concepts and issues confronting managers in the health sector.
Prerequisites: FINA 3320 - Principles of Finance
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024

Admission Requirements

The SAT and ACT Exams are optional for the 2023-2024 school year. Test scores will be used as supporting documents to determine admission and scholarship opportunities.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements 

Apply as a transfer student if:

  • You have completed 24 or more semester hours of college credit but have not yet obtained a bachelor's degree.
  • You are either degree or non-degree seeking or a transient.
  • You are pursuing a second bachelor's degree.

 Required Documents for Transfer Students        

  • Completed electronic application using the ApplyTexas website (www.goapplytexas.org).
  • Non-refundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities previously attended, including dual-credit courses from high school. If an official academic record was created, we require it.
  • Proof of having complied with TSI requirement (THEA/TASP, etc.).

Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your degree.

Freshman Admission Requirements 

If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:

 

  • Completed online application.
  • Non-refundable application fee.
  • Official high school transcript showing grade average, class rank (or approximate), and expected date of graduation.
  • SAT and/or ACT scores (test optional for Fall 2021).

Transcripts 

Copies of official transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and can be mailed to: 

 

UT Permian Basin 
Office of Admissions 
4901 E. University Blvd. 
Odessa, TX 79762

 

Transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.eduHigh school transcripts can also be sent electronically or via mail as noted above.

 

Minimum Score Requirements 

 

High School Graduation Class Rank 

SAT 

ACT 

Top 25% 

No minimum score 

No minimum score 

2nd Quarter 

1020 

20 

3rd Quarter 

1160 

24 

4th Quarter 

1280 

27 

 

Application Fee  

The application fee is $40.  
 
If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.   

 

Chair of the Accounting, Finance, and Economics Department
Associate Professor of Finance
PhD, The University of Texas at Arlington
MS, Texas Tech University
gormus_a@utpb.edu

Alper Gormus, PhD, is the chair of the accounting, finance, and economics department and an associate professor in finance. He is also a Jack D. Ladd Fellow and the coordinator of energy and finance programs. He has an MS in economics from Texas Tech University and a PhD in finance from The University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to his start at UTPB, he worked as faculty, teaching classes at The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University. On the corporate side, Dr. Gormus has worked for several high-profile companies in various roles related to investments and financial analytics. His research interests include energy investments and international markets. His work has been published in several global academic journals including Energy Economics, Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Economic Letters, and Global Finance Journal. Dr. Gormus teaches Energy Investments, Investments, and Corporate Finance.

“I strongly believe student success must be the driving factor for all we do in academia. In terms of how I contribute, combining my industry experience with academics has always served me well in the classroom. While I have worked in numerous projects across many areas in finance and economics, a large portion of my research has been in energy investments. I was fortunate enough to publish my research in some of the top academic journals in the field and I try to bring that expertise into the classroom.”

Associate Professor of Finance
PhD, Kent State University
MS, Kent State University
MBA, Kent State University
MComm, Bangalore University
pai_p@utpb.edu

Prakash Pai, PhD, is an associate professor of finance at The University of Texas Permian Basin. He started in the role of assistant professor of finance in 2003. He earned a doctor of philosophy in 2004 from Kent State University. Dr. Pai has published papers in the Financial Services Review, Insights to a Changing World, Journal of International Finance Studies, Journal of International Finance and Economics, and the International Journal of Business Research. He has presented at the Financial Management Association International Annual Meeting, the International Academy of Business and Economics, Financial Management Association, the Academy of Business Research, and the Academy of International Business and Economics. His professional certifications include International Banking Operations Certificate, Banking Diploma, and a Certified Association of the Indian Institution of Bankers.

Assistant Professor of Finance
PhD, The University of Texas at Arlington
vafai_n@utpb.edu

Nima Vafai, PhD, is an assistant professor of finance in the College of Business at The University of Texas Permian Basin. He graduated with a PhD in finance from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2021 and joined UT Permian Basin in the same year. He has two graduate degrees: an MBA and a master's degree in economics. His undergraduate degree is in industrial engineering. Prior to teaching at UT Permian Basin, he served as an adjunct and instructor at The University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Tech University and as a business plan developer and product manager in the industry. His research interests include asset pricing, institutional investment, political finance, analysts' forecasts, and cryptocurrencies.

“I have taught various finance, economics, and statistics courses, including financial derivatives, microeconomics, and business statistics. My research is mainly focused on asset pricing and econometrics techniques associated with that area. I am passionate about teaching, not only because I enjoy teaching but also because I enjoy connecting my industry experience to course materials to give students a better learning experience.”

Assistant Professor of Finance
PhD, Florida International University
MBA, University of Florida
velazquez_m@utpb.edu

Marcos Velazquez, PhD, received his undergraduate degree in economics and MBA from the University of Florida. He also received his PhD in finance from Florida International University. Dr. Velazquez's research interests include corporate finance and governance, and he has received several research awards.

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Spring1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/245/2/24
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Summer5/20/245/27/245/31/246/3/248/8/24
Summer A4/29/245/6/245/10/245/13/246/28/24
Summer B6/17/246/24/246/28/247/1/248/15/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Fall8/12/248/19/248/23/24 8/26/2412/13/24
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
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