Sara Bennett, PhD
Associate Professor of Finance, Program Director of the Master of Business Administration
Blend Finance and Economics
Financial Economics Major
Study financial systems and economic theories.
Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics
If you’re interested in the intricate dynamics between economic principles and financial systems, the financial economics program at Lynchburg offers a rigorous exploration of this field. The curriculum covers financial markets, investment analysis, and quantitative methods, providing a solid foundation in economics and finance.
Throughout your studies, you’ll delve into capital budgeting, risk management, financial modeling, and econometric analysis. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of real-world financial scenarios through experiential learning experiences such as internships, research projects, and case studies. This will prepare you for the dynamic demands of the financial industry.
Curriculum and Resources
2024-25 Academic Year Information
Program requirements for the following can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
- Actuarial Science (BS)
What Jobs Can I Get With a Financial Economics Degree?
Actuaries work to predict future events by analyzing data. They’re responsible for assessing risk and uncertainty using mathematical models that quantify potential outcomes. They might predict things like how many people will die from a certain disease next year, or estimate the cost of natural disasters. In other words, there’s a lot more to actuarial science than you might think!
Financial Economics Careers and Salaries
A degree in financial economics provides you with a unique skill set that opens doors to diverse career opportunities across various sectors of the economy. Financial economics majors are well-suited for roles in investment banking, corporate finance, quantitative finance, consulting, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and nonprofit organizations.
With a degree in financial economics, you’re prepared to embark on diverse and rewarding career paths, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and expertise you need to thrive in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving financial landscape.
Here are 10 potential jobs and their average salaries:
- Financial analyst: $83,660
- Investment banker: $115,000
- Financial manager: $129,890
- Risk analyst: $79,980
- Portfolio manager: $116,080
- Credit analyst: $85,660
- Corporate treasurer: $134,180
- Financial planner: $88,890
- Quantitative analyst: $106,590
- Derivatives trader: $123,670
Salary and job projections come from national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
As a Lynchburg financial economics student, you'll:
Gain a solid foundation in economic theory and principles, including microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Learn to analyze financial markets, institutions, and instruments, exploring investment analysis, portfolio management, and risk assessment.
Develop proficiency in financial modeling and econometric techniques to evaluate and interpret economic and financial data.
Explore advanced topics in corporate finance, including capital budgeting, financial planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
Engage in internships, research projects, and case studies to apply theory to financial scenarios.
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© 2025 University of Lynchburg. All Rights Reserved
© 2025 University of Lynchburg. All Rights Reserved
