Oberlin Introduces Financial Economics Major to Meet Growing Student Interest

This fall, Oberlin College proudly launched a new major in Financial Economics, an innovative program designed to prepare students for careers in investment banking, asset management, venture capital, and related fields. The major was created in response to longtime student interest; finance is one of the top fields pursued by Oberlin graduates. 

Building on Excellence

“Our new Financial Economics major builds on what we have already been doing well in the Economics Department,” says the program’s chair, Associate Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies Paul Brehm. “It allows students to develop an even deeper understanding of financial markets and fully demonstrate this excellence on the job market.” 

The Financial Economics major, for which the first students were admitted in fall 2024, goes beyond the existing Finance minor, offering deeper specialization for students pursuing finance careers. Notable features include:

• Senior-year seminars focused on students’ original research
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard software and data
• Integration of financial and economic theory with practical applications
• Focus on quantitative skills and analytical training

Graduates will be equipped to:

• Evaluate the importance of ethics and corporate governance
• Analyze government policy impacts on financial markets
• Apply critical thinking to complex financial challenges
• Demonstrate proficiency in cutting-edge industry-relevant tools and analysis

Real-World Impact

At Oberlin, Financial Economics majors go beyond the classroom, combining their studies with hands-on opportunities to manage real-world investments as members of the Oberlin Finance Club (OFC).

Student investment teams manage a diverse portfolio of publicly traded equities and fixed-income securities currently valued at approximately $400,000, gaining practical experience in investment strategies and understanding market dynamics. OFC donates 3 percent of its assets under management back to the college to be used for need-based scholarships.

“Our students are investing with real money in a way that matters,” says Associate Professor of Financial Economics Udara Peiris. “This is a real differentiator for our program, and particularly for those aiming to make their mark as finance professionals.”

Adds Department Chair Brehm: “The Oberlin Finance Club helps students prepare for the job market. They’re making the same types of decisions that they’ll be making on Wall Street and elsewhere.”

Other highlights of OFC membership include:

• Career development featuring résumé preparation, mock interviews, and personalized mentorship. 
• A speaker series that connects OFC members to Wall Street professionals and alumni, expanding professional networks and gaining insights from industry leaders.

The program’s effectiveness is already evident, with students receiving job offers from leading firms including BlackRock, Fidelity, UBS, and Goldman Sachs. 

“With academic rigor, modern training methods, and strong industry connections, the Financial Economics major provides a pathway for the next generation of Obies to make their impact and be a force for good in the financial sector as well as in policy,” says Peiris. 

For more information, visit the Financial Economics website.