Brian Chezum
A. Barton Hepburn Associate Professor of Economics and Co-Chair
Economics Department
Coordinator
Business in the Liberal Arts
Finance
About Our Program
The world today faces unprecedented challenges when it comes to funding public health efforts, environmental initiatives, education, and other essential goods and services. These challenges demand creative problem solvers who can approach them from different perspectives, understand how they intersect, and articulate informed solutions. That’s where St. Lawrence’s finance major—and you—come in.
As a finance major at St. Lawrence, all of your coursework—from core classes to electives—will strengthen the critical thinking and writing skills you’ll need to analyze problems and communicate strategies to address them. As you gain confidence and a better sense of what a career in finance might look like for you, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to tap into our top-ranked alumni network. They’re eager to mentor you, answer your questions, and help you see where your St. Lawrence degree can take you.
Learning Experiences to Prepare for Your Career
Once you build a foundation of financial and economic theory, you’ll begin to expand your worldview, hone analytical skills, and sharpen your interests with compelling electives and interdisciplinary courses. The passions that emerge will inform your faculty-mentored research projects, co-curricular pursuits, and career exploration opportunities.Learn by doing, connecting, and using professional tools in a real-world environment. Our majors get hands-on career experience, made possible by passionate faculty, staff, and alumni.
Bloomberg Terminal
Access to the Bloomberg Terminal is made possible thanks to generous alumni gifts and available for you to monitor and analyze real-time financial market data like professionals in the financial services sector.
SLU Connect Trips
Spend part of your winter break connecting with alumni where they live and work, and get a sense of how finance majors like you are making an impact across the country—from New York City to Washington D.C. to San Francisco.
LINC Mentor Program
Polish your resume, practice interviewing, and develop your networking skills while working one-on-one with a Laurentian mentor. In addition to taking diversity and inclusion attributes into account, we strive to match students with mentors who reflect their career interests, giving you an opportunity to receive first-hand advice from a mentor who understands the inner workings of finance in any number of industries.
Study Abroad
Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including Spain, Vienna, China, Denmark, and Kenya. Use your study abroad experience to enhance your understanding of finance, banking, and monetary policy beyond the U.S.
The London Program
Study history and current socio-economic issues while immersing yourself in this vibrant global city—which is also the hub of international banking and trading. Conclude your semester with a month-long work study in any number of possible workplaces, from local government offices to international trade and investment agencies.
Study Finance in New York City
Other U.S-based off-campus study programs include a Liberal Arts in New York City experience, which includes an internship with a Manhattan-based business or nonprofit.
Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve financial management, entrepreneurship, and fiscal policy, including:
- Crown Royalty Investment Club
- Class Council
- Thelomathesian Society
- The Entrepreneurship Club
- Divest SLU
- SLU Democrats
- Model U.N.
- Women in Business
- SLU Republicans
- SLU Environmental Action Organization
- Model O.A.S.
- PLEN Chapter
Why St. Lawrence for Finance
94%
of recent graduates are employed or continuing their education within a year
73%
of St. Lawrence students complete at least one internship
Unlimited Access
As a St. Lawrence student, you’ll amplify your education with free access to reputable news sources like:
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- Washington Post
- Access World News
500+
Laurentian mentors
Alumni, parents, and friend volunteers help facilitate our SLU Connect program in places like New York City, Big Sky, Mont., and San Francisco.
#2
in the College Fed Challenge
St. Lawrence’s team placed second out of 85 colleges and universities and was the top liberal arts college in the 2020 National College Fed Challenge.
More Program Information
Program Requirements & Courses
Explore finance major requirements and electives.
Complementary and Related Programs
Pair your finance major with a complementary program to deepen your understanding of intersecting issues, understand different perspectives, and draw on multiple ways of thinking to solve problems.
Other Programs You May Be Interested In
Finance Faculty
Your finance professors have served as economists on the Federal Reserve and the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. They’re experts on international finance, economic development, and the economics of innovation. They’re eager to share their passions and help you investigate your own.
"Developing creative solutions to complex problems is what we do at St. Lawrence. Our finance major in a liberal arts setting will give our students an advantage over those studying the field in a less diverse setting."
Sahar Milani
Associate Professor
Economics Department
Cynthia Bansak
Charles A. Dana Professor of Economics
Economics Department
Michael O'Hara
Associate Professor
Economics Department
Get to Know Finance at St. Lawrence
Your future professors answer questions about what makes our finance program unique and how you'll leverage your liberal arts experiences to make an impact in a range of fields in this finance Q&A.
Our Alumni Network, Your Competitive Edge
Ross MacMahon '21 and his team earned runner-up honors during the 2020 Fed Challenge, but they didn’t get there alone. The real game-changer? According to Ross, dedicated alumni mentors who shared their time, welcomed them to their offices, and offered expertise.
Get More Information
We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.
Apply to St. Lawrence
We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.