Finance program prepares students to lead in business and beyond
In a rapidly changing economy, understanding money, markets and decision-making is essential across nearly every industry. At NDSU, the finance program is designed to meet that demand by combining hands-on experience, broad academic preparation and close connections to industry, helping students graduate ready to lead in their careers.
Finance is one of the most versatile disciplines in business, preparing students for careers in banking, investment analysis, financial planning, real estate, corporate finance and more. NDSU students gain both technical knowledge and practical skills that translate across industries.
“Finance is the art and science of money, and it’s important for everyone,” said Shawn Stumph, assistant professor of practice in finance. “No matter who you are, you’re going to interface with finance at some point in your life, whether it’s planning for education, investing or budgeting.”
A defining feature of the NDSU finance program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students participate in simulations, manage real investment portfolios and collaborate with industry professionals, gaining experience that mirrors real-world financial decision-making.
One of the program’s signature opportunities is the Bison Fund, a student-managed investment fund in which students oversee millions of dollars in university assets.
“We get to manage real dollars for the university,” said Vaughn Nolan, a finance major from Madelia, Minnesota. “We do actual equity research, interact with industry advisory board members and apply what we learn in class to real investments. There’s no better experience for a finance student.”
Students also gain hands-on experience through courses such as advanced bank management, where teams simulate running a financial institution.
“You’re making deposits, making loans and looking at investments,” said Sofia Sas, a finance major from Minneapolis. “You’re essentially running your own bank with your team, which lets you apply theory to real-life scenarios in a safe place to learn and grow.”
These opportunities help students build confidence and decision-making skills before entering the workforce.
Students say the program’s faculty play a central role in their success. Many instructors bring professional experience from finance, consulting and industry, connecting classroom concepts to real-world practice.
“Our professors do an excellent job of taking complicated theories and breaking them down,” Sas said. “They’re approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in helping students succeed.”
Stumph said the program is intentionally designed to integrate academic learning with industry engagement.
NDSU’s finance program prepares students for a wide range of careers, offering flexibility that appeals to students with diverse interests.
“Finance is one of the broadest disciplines when it comes to careers,” Stumph said. “Students can work in banking, investment analysis, real estate, financial planning or corporate finance. There’s really no limit to where they can go.”
Located in Fargo, the program also benefits from proximity to a strong regional business community. Students regularly connect with local professionals through advisory boards, internships and networking opportunities.
“I got connected to professionals in the Fargo-Moorhead community because of my faculty and advisors,” Sas said. “That helped me understand career options and build relationships that will matter after graduation.”
Faculty and students agree that the program’s goal is to prepare graduates not only for jobs, but for leadership.
“NDSU is a launching pad,” Stumph said. “Students can build careers on Main Street or Wall Street, stay in the region or go anywhere in the world and be competitive.”
Through hands-on learning, experienced faculty and strong industry connections, NDSU’s finance program equips students with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s complex financial landscape.
Learn more about NDSU's finance degree on the official NDSU YouTube channel.
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