Overview
The Banking and Financial Services Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment with commercial and community banks and other financial services organizations such as insurance companies and investment firms.
The certificate courses focus on understanding key financial concepts that are critical to serving financial institutions’ clients, along with building skills in customer relations and interpersonal communication.
All courses in the certificate program also apply to the Finance associate’s degree program.
All certificate courses can be completed through online education.
The certificate program does not include cooperative education.
Students seeking the Banking and Financial Services Certificate may wish to seek industry certifications to enhance their career growth and salary.
- The Finance program is a Registered Education Program of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and provides a pathway for students who wish to take the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) exam. The AFC certification demonstrates knowledge and experience needed to help individuals and families build a strong financial foundation, realize their goals, and achieve lasting financial well-being.
- To be eligible to take the AFC exam, students must complete two courses: Personal Finance (FIN 100) and Interviewing and Counseling (HSV 115). Both courses are offered in online format. Verification of financial counseling experience also is required to attain the AFC designation.
- For more information about the AFC certification, contact the Finance Program Chair or visit the AFCPE website at https://www.afcpe.org/certification.
Related Programs
Finance (FIN)Contacts
Program Chair
Advisor
Career Outlook
Graduates Are Prepared To
- Understand basic banking operations and financial strategies.
- Communicate effectively in a business setting and provide superior customer service
- Demonstrate knowledge of social responsibility trends and legal considerations in the financial services industry.
Representative Job Titles For Graduates
- Financial Clerk
- Client Service Representative
Graduate Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in financial services are expected to remain steady through 2031.
$44,000 median annual salary (Financial Clerk)
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
Contacts
Program Chair
Advisor
Curriculum
Effective 2023-2024 academic year
Banking and Financial Services Certificate (BFSC)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIN 100 | Personal Finance | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| COMM 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| IM XXX Computer Skills Elective | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| MAT XXX Mathematics Elective | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| ACC 101 | Financial Accounting | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECO 110 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FIN 130 | Principles of Banking | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FIN XXX Finance Elective | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| MKT 105 | Marketing and Customer Relations | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 28 | 5 | 30 | |
Electives
| Students must consult with an Academic Advisor when choosing electives | ||
| Computer Skills Elective | ||
| IM 111 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| IM 120 | Electronic Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective | ||
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MAT 111 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 131 | Statistics 1 | 3 |
| Finance Elective | ||
| FIN 120 | Risk and Insurance | 3 |
| FIN 200 | Stocks, Bonds, and Investing Principles | 3 |
• This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
• The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.