Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Finance and Eonomics is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and career success in a global environment. The department provides a curriculum which is student centered and relevant to meeting the changing needs of the workforce, and which reflects new developments in the student's chosen profession. Our programs in finance and economics prepare graduates for challenging and productive careers, focus on developing their leadership capabilities, and help to build interpersonal skills necessary for their personal and professional growth.
The department encourages and fosters teaching excellence, relevant scholarship, and service to the university and community. Department faculty members conduct research related to contemporary business, economics, and public policy issues and to the development of the curriculum. Findings are disseminated through presentations and publications. Service to the community, university, and professional organizations is provided through active participation in conferences, committees, and scholarly presentations.
Career Possibilities:
Broker, Stocks or Bonds
Insurance Agent
Bank Officer
Corporate Finance
Government Work, Internal Revenue Service, Treasury Department
Manufacturing Service
Departmental Information:
The Department of Finance and Economics offers a broad array of interesting and challenging career opportunities, using analytical plus decision-making skills in a fast-paced and competitive environment.
Faculty members are well educated in many aspects of the financial world and can provide students with real world knowledge necessary for success in careers related to finance and economics.
The department also offers students internship opportunities to gain practical experience within the business, banking, and public policy environments. Internship sites can place the student in an exciting and rewarding area of business across the state and around the world.
The Student Finance Association and the Economics Club sponsor guest speakers and workshops to enhance students'resume writing and job interviewing skills. These student organizations sponsor trips and outings in which students can take part. The Investment Club offers the student interested in the stock market the opportunity to gather and take part in investment tracking and buying decisions. Students may also take part in the Eberly College Leadership ventures and Eberly College of Business Business Day activities.
Education Level Needed:
Our bachelor's degree programs give students the education they need to deal with financial problem solving within the aspects of the business, banking, and public policy environments. Advanced degrees, such as an MBA, are recommended for promotion to higher levels in many professions. However, advanced degrees are not necessary to gain entry-level positions.
Alternative Careers:
Our finance and economics majors could pursue any number of careers dealing with the financial aspects of business, banking, and public policy. A degree in finance may lead the student to pursue higher degrees in law, taxation, or business administration. A degree in economics may lead a student to pursue higher degrees in applied economics, law, and public policy. Other alternative careers include:
- Education
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Securities Dealer
- Financial Planner
- Accounting
- Selected Internship Sites and Employers:
- Enterprise Bank
- PNC (Pittsburgh National Corporation)
- Merrill Lynch
- FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Commission)
- First Commonwealth
- Advest, Inc.
- Paine Webber
- Smith Barney Shearson
- Legend Financial Advisors
- Wells Fargo Financial
- S&T Bank
- AXA Financial Advisors
- Northwestern Mutual Life
- Vanguard
- Prudential Preferred Financial Services