Financial Economics - BS
Studying financial economics at St. Catherine University will challenge students to explore global financial systems. This major prepares students for a career in the financial sector (banking, insurance, corporate finance, investment, trusts) or securities analysis. A combination of economics and accounting courses provides the foundation for students to develop analytical skills to enter the corporate sector with a solid finance background and strong decision-making capabilities to lead and influence.
Financial economics is a popular choice as a double major for accounting students. Adding a financial economics major will prepare students to take their accounting skills into other parts of the corporate structure. Courses in financial economics are also very relevant for those who plan to sit for CPA or actuarial exams.
Qualified financial economics seniors have the opportunity to apply for the program allowing seniors to take graduate level courses in the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) program or the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program and enroll in up to 12 credits). These courses serve as electives in the undergraduate program while simultaneously applying to a graduate degree or certificate. Contact the College for Women admissions office for an application.
Outside of the classroom, our department works to provide all students with opportunities to enhance their St. Kate’s experience and increase the value they bring to organizations after graduation. Students can attend events hosted by the Minnesota Center for Diversity in Economics, such as “Socialism vs. Capitalism” or “The Economics of Immigration.” Economics Club is an outlet for students to engage with other passionate peers and local events. For example, students organize an annual trip to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Moreover, students can gain practical experience through an internship in their major’s field. Students majoring in financial economics have interned at large and small corporations in the Twin Cities area, including KPMG, Wells Fargo, 3M, Lucent Technologies, Green Tree Financial, Baird, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Career opportunities in financial economics are very good and will remain strong in the future, especially for women with solid quantitative backgrounds. If students are interested in translating their talents in mathematics and business into a career, a financial economics major can prove very lucrative. Graduates have accepted jobs at institutions such as Wells Fargo, the Royal Bank of Canada, Retek Corporation, Merrill Lynch, St. Paul Travelers, Ecolab and First Bank. Some alumnae continue on to graduate programs in economics, or business administration.
See also: Economics, International Business and Economics
This major is offered in the College for Women only.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| ECON 2012 | Personal Financial Fitness | 4 |
| or CARR 2010 | Personal Financial Fitness | |
| Choose two from: | 8 | |
| Economics of Social Issues | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Choose two from: | 8 | |
| Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | ||
| Econometrics | ||
ECON 3994 | Topics: Methods and Modeling for Economics, Finance and Anyalytics | |
| ECON 3350 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 4 |
| Choose one from: | 4 | |
| Discrimination and Disparities: The Economics and Politics of Race and Gender | ||
| Haves and Have Nots: Development, Poverty, and Inequality | ||
| International Economics: Trade and Immigration | ||
| Women and Globalization | ||
| ECON 3650 | Cost-Benefit Analysis | 4 |
| ECON 4604 | Internship | 4 |
| ECON 4850 | Theory to Action | 4 |
| Choose one of the following: | 4 | |
| Social Entrepreneurship | ||
| Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Financial Accounting | ||
| Managerial Accounting | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
NOTE: ECON 3610 Microeconomic Theory or ECON 3620 Macroeconomic Theory can substitute for any upper-division ECON course.
Financial economics majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing ECON 3450W Haves and Have Nots: Development, Poverty, and Inequality and ECON 3480W International Economics: Trade and Immigration. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with two other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman and CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice).