Economics (BS): Finance Concentration

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

North Carolina State University Raleigh

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Economics with a Finance concentration at NC State combines economic theory, quantitative analysis and financial decision-making to prepare students for careers in banking, investment management, corporate finance and business analytics. Through coursework in financial markets, corporate finance, econometrics and investment analysis, students learn to evaluate financial opportunities, interpret economic trends and make data-driven business decisions.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a foundation in mathematics, economics and academic communication through Fundamentals of Economics (EC 205) or Principles of Microeconomics (EC 201), Calculus I (MA 141) or an approved alternative, and Academic Writing and Research (ENG 101). These courses establish the quantitative and analytical skills needed for advanced economics and finance study.

Second Year: Students develop their understanding of economic systems and business analysis through Intermediate Microeconomics (EC 301), Intermediate Macroeconomics (EC 302) and Introduction to Business Analytics (BUS 351). They also study Principles of Finance (BUS 320), learning the foundations of financial decision-making and how economic conditions influence businesses and markets.

Third Year: Students strengthen their quantitative and financial expertise through Econometrics I (EC 351), Econometrics II (EC 451) and Corporate Finance (BUS 420). The concentration also includes Investments (BUS 422), while statistical programming in SAS or R helps students analyse data and evaluate financial and economic trends.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced economics electives and select finance concentration electives such as Advanced Investments (BUS 423), International Corporate Finance (BUS 426), Capital Markets (BUS 427) or Financial Modeling (BUS 429). The Research Seminar in Economics (EC 490) provides an opportunity to consolidate analytical skills and apply economic reasoning to research questions.

Focus Areas

Financial analysis, corporate finance, investment management, capital markets, econometrics, financial modelling, international finance, business analytics, economic forecasting and risk assessment.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse financial markets, evaluate investment opportunities, apply economic theory to business decisions, interpret financial data, use statistical methods and programming, assess corporate financing strategies, conduct economic research and communicate analytical findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides a foundation for finance-related careers and further professional study. The official program catalog does not specify a separate professional accreditation for the Finance concentration.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

NC State's Poole College of Management offers an economics curriculum focused on analytical methods, economic theory and business skills. A specific employability ranking or verified graduate employment rate for this concentration is not stated in the program catalog.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

NC State's Economics BS with a Finance concentration combines quantitative training, business analytics and applied financial coursework. Students develop skills in statistical programming, financial modelling and economic research, preparing them to evaluate real-world business and investment decisions. Key opportunities include:

Financial Modelling (BUS 429): Explore financial modelling methods to evaluate business performance and support financial decisions.
Business Analytics (BUS 351): Develop analytical skills for interpreting business information and supporting data-driven decisions.
Statistical Programming: Study SAS or R through ST 307 or ST 308, building skills in statistical analysis and data processing.
Econometrics (EC 351 and EC 451): Learn quantitative methods for analysing economic relationships, testing hypotheses and interpreting data.
Research Seminar in Economics (EC 490): Apply economic reasoning and research methods to investigate economic and financial questions.
Finance Electives: Explore advanced investments, capital markets, international corporate finance and advanced corporate finance according to your interests.
Career Planning: Use NC State's career resources and Focus 2 Apply assessment to explore suitable occupations and align academic choices with career goals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The program prepares students for careers that require financial knowledge, quantitative reasoning and an understanding of economic systems. Graduates can explore opportunities in financial services, corporate finance, investment research, consulting and government, with potential roles including financial analyst, investment analyst, financial planner and market research analyst.

Career Development Services: NC State provides career counselling and career-planning resources to help students identify suitable roles, prepare applications and explore professional opportunities.
Career Assessment: Focus 2 Apply helps prospective students explore how their interests, skills and preferences align with potential careers and academic pathways.
Industry-Relevant Skills: Training in financial modelling, investments, capital markets and statistical programming supports roles involving financial analysis, business planning and data-driven decision-making.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: A concentration-specific graduate employment rate and salary figure are not stated in the official program catalog.
Professional Recognition: The degree offers a foundation for finance-related employment and further professional qualifications; no separate professional accreditation for the concentration is specified.
Graduation Outcomes: The university identifies career paths including financial analyst, financial planner, investment fund manager, actuary, management analyst and economist. Some positions require additional education, certification or experience.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a master's degree in finance, economics, financial analytics or applied economics. Those interested in quantitative finance may explore postgraduate programs in financial engineering or related analytical fields, subject to their mathematical preparation and admission requirements. Students aiming for research or academic careers can continue towards a Ph.D. in economics, finance or a related discipline.