Minor in Banking
Hours: 21 On-Campus Online
About
The Minor in Banking program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the banking industry and prepares them for banking, finance, and economics careers. It can be completed in as few as 21 credit hours. Non-business majors must also complete 12 credit hours of prerequisite courses to finish the program.
Why pursue a Minor in Banking at Fort Hays State University?
The program focuses on commercial banking with three regularly scheduled courses. This extensive curriculum goes beyond standard finance courses, providing students with specialized knowledge in the nuances of banking operations, risk management, and decision-making processes.
In a unique distinction from other banking programs, FHSU is affiliated with the Robbins Banking Institute, a center dedicated to providing students with authentic experiences and industry connections. The Institute connects students with banking professionals, offering valuable networking opportunities and exposure to actual applications of banking principles.
Who is this program for?
The Minor in Banking offers a valuable complement to your education for people with different aspirations and backgrounds. Regardless of your intentions, the program is created for a broad audience. It is ideal for:
- Individuals interested in working in the banking industry
- Students who want to increase their earning potential
- Business degree majors
- All students interested in finance
Learning Outcomes
Created to assign students to thriving careers in the financial services industry, the program delivers a robust curriculum encompassing the intricacies of banking. By completing the minor, students will be able to:
Develop Essential Financial Skills
The Minor in Banking program equips students with the financial acumen necessary to succeed in the banking industry. Students will acquire proficiency in financial analysis, risk assessment, and investment strategies, enabling them to make informed decisions and manage financial risks effectively.
Gain an Understanding of Banking Principles
Through specialized courses, students will explore the intricacies of banking operations, risk management, and decision-making processes. They will gain a deep understanding of the functions of commercial banks, investment banks, and credit unions, as well as the role of these institutions in the broader financial services industry.
Engage with Industry Professionals
FHSU's close collaboration with the Robbins Banking Institute provides students with unique opportunities to connect with banking professionals and gain hands-on experience. Through internships, guest lectures, and industry networking events, students can apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop valuable professional connections.
Prepare for Further Education and Specialization
The program is an excellent foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in finance, economics, or related fields. Thanks to expertise in banking principles and financial skills, graduates can pursue further academic pursuits and specialize in specific areas of the financial services industry.
Real-World Applications
Students in our program can participate in immersive bank simulations that allow them to apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting. These simulations are a realistic experience of working in a bank, allowing students to develop customer service, loan origination, and risk management skills.
Furthermore, case studies are a crucial component of the program. They give the opportunity to analyze financial data, develop solutions to complex problems, and make informed decisions in the context of the banking industry.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
As the financial sector continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in the banking industry remains strong. If you are pursuing a business degree and want to prepare for a rewarding career in financial services, this program is an excellent option. One of the key strengths of FHSU is its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends.
Our faculty are not just teachers but active contributors to the banking industry. Their commitment to staying updated with banking developments, their use of current events for teaching, their use of guest speakers, and their active engagement in research all ensure that the program remains relevant and that students are well-prepared for the ever-changing market.
Hands-on Activities
The Minor in Banking prioritizes experiential learning through a range of activities integrated into the curriculum, equipping students to embark on or advance their careers in banking while preparing them for the challenges of the professional landscape. A key feature of this program is the culminating bank simulation project, which is an integral component of the Bank Strategy course.
What You’ll Learn:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of commercial banking operations
- Develop specialized knowledge in risk management and decision-making processes
- Enhance interpersonal skills through effective communication practices
- Obtain customer service and communication expertise
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in immersive bank simulations
- Analyze financial data through case studies
- Network with banking professionals through the Robbins Banking Institute
- Stay abreast of industry trends through faculty expertise
The Minor in Banking is valuable for students pursuing careers in banking and similar areas. It is undoubtedly a strong foundation in the principles and practices of the sector. The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of commercial banking.
FIN 201: Principles of Banking
This course provides an overview of banking, focusing on current trends and issues. Students will learn about bank organization, employee roles, the regulatory environment, the Federal Reserve, deposit services, credit functions, and financial performance analysis.
FIN 642: Bank Management
This course is a study of the organization and operations of national and state banks, the balance sheet of a commercial bank, liquidity management, asset management, loans and discounts, credit analysis, interest rates, investment account management, trust services, capital funds management, and safety of banks.
FIN 643: Bank Strategy
As the capstone course for Finance majors with a Banking Concentration, this course provides the opportunity for students to apply the skills and knowledge obtained from their coursework to a banking environment.
Discover the full Minor in Banking course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
By completing this minor, students enhance their primary program of study. They also signal to potential employers their commitment to pursuing additional credentials beyond their major program of study.
Loan Officer
Loan officers play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of individuals and businesses by assessing borrowers' financial qualifications and approving loans. They collaborate with clients to comprehend their financial needs and structure suitable loan options.
Trust Officer
Trust officers are responsible for managing the financial affairs of individuals and families. They handle various tasks related to estate planning, investment management, and charitable giving, directly impacting their clients' financial stability. A Minor in Banking provides students with the necessary knowledge of financial markets, investment strategies, and legal and ethical considerations, preparing them for this vital fiduciary role.
Commercial Banker
Commercial bankers provide invaluable insights and strategic advice on loans, pivotal in boosting companies' financial health and growth. They work with small and large companies to help them meet their financial needs, such as financing growth, managing cash flow, and investing for the future.
Credit Analyst
As businesses rely on credit for various operations, credit analysts play a pivotal role in assessing the creditworthiness of individuals and organizations. The Minor in Banking graduates are well-suited for this role, ensuring that they contribute effectively to the financial health of businesses.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online graduate tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
The Minor in Banking is offered by the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting. Since the area is relatively wide, we offer several other programs, certificates, and concentrations in this sector. Other programs that might interest you include:
- BBA in Finance
- BBA in Accounting
- BBA in International Business and Economics
- Certificate in Kansas Insurance
The program offers students a comprehensive understanding of the banking industry, preparing them for banking, finance, and economics careers. The structure is very flexible and allows completion both on-campus and online.
The curriculum covers essential aspects of commercial banking. Some courses include Managerial Finance, Principles of Banking, Bank Management, and Bank Strategy.
The program requires 21 credit hours to complete for business majors. Non-business majors will need to take an additional 12 credit hours of prerequisite classes before taking the courses in this minor.
Upon graduation, students can take up careers in the banking industry, including loan officer, commercial banker, and credit analyst.
The cost depends on whether you choose the online or on-campus option. The price starts at approximately $197.46 per credit hour.
Department Information
FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting provides expertise in effectively and ethically managing money in both public and private sectors for a highly versatile, in-demand career path. Our department provides highly sought-after degrees in accounting, finance, and international business and economics. These programs are backed by career-centered internship opportunities, in-depth mentoring by faculty and staff, and flexible online degrees. Our programs prepare students for in-demand jobs, with courses that span the entire business landscape. The Robbins Banking Institute further enhances career preparation in the area of banking, offering a practical, real-time curriculum for rewarding careers. Our faculty, who are experts in their field and student-focused, support students to maximize individual growth.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Accounting Club: This club offers a valuable opportunity for accounting students to connect with peers and prepare for their future careers. It aims to help members explore the various opportunities available in the field of accounting and introduce them to potential employers. Meetings frequently feature guest speakers who hold accounting degrees and are actively working in the profession.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: The ACFE organization brings together students from many disciplines to promote the detection and prevention of fraud in business.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is available to all students regardless of their major or knowledge of economics with the goal of promoting the study of and interest in economics. The signature activity of the club is to create a “Student Price Index” through a collaborative research project on FHSU student economic expectations. The club members typically take a trip to a major city in the U.S. every year.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club strives to assist in the professional, educational, and social development of college students interested in finance. The club also encourages interaction between the business sector, faculty, and students at FHSU. As part of club operations, they bring in speakers and take trips around the U.S. to learn more about the finance field.
- International Business Club: This club strives to improve students’ awareness and understanding of global business practices and economic issues. These issues are explored from diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the club aims to develop global citizen-leaders by enhancing students’ professional, educational, and social development through its discussions, activities, and international travel experiences.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program is housed in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting and directed by a financial planning faculty member. This program provides free financial guidance from students you can trust. This is a group of trained, money-savvy students passionate about helping you take care of your finances. They offer one-on-one sessions to answer your financial questions on a variety of financial topics, including:
- Organizing your finances and spending
- Creating and sticking to a budget
- Developing a plan to reach your short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding your student loans and repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing your credit report
- And more!
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