The banking world is very dynamic, and probably more complex than those, not in the field, realize. It is carried out by a range of professionals in various divisions, such as investment, commercial and private banking. It requires a diversity of skills and talents, from those who have an aptitude for quantitative measures to those who have superb customer service skills.
“The banking specialization may be suitable for students who see themselves entering careers in commercial or investment banking, or for students in other finance functions (e.g. corporate treasury) where banks are a primary provider of financial services, and other disciplines that support banking infrastructure (e.g., information systems),” states New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business. As you complete courses, and possible internships, as part of a BBA in Banking, you will have the chance to explore what your specific future role entails.
Plus completing a banking concentration as part of a Bachelor of Business Administration allows students to complete core courses to gain a deep understanding of business concepts across the board (including leadership). “…students are grounded in every key functional area of business through a core curriculum,” states the Michigan Ross School of Business’ BBA program. “This is a vital competitive advantage in a business world that demands working across functions and often requires knowledge of multiple areas of business for effective decision-making and action.”
What Will I Learn in a BBA in Banking Program?
The great thing about completing a Bachelor Business Administration in Banking is that you take BBA core courses to learn about “every key functional area of business” and then you complete courses specific to the banking specialization.
Curriculum will vary by college and university, but possible BBA core courses may include:
- Financial Management
- Accounting
- Economics
- Information Technology
- Decision Making and Analysis
- Marketing
- Communications
- Business Administration
- Commercial or Business Law
- Statistics
- Business Ethics
Banking specialization courses may include:
- Banking Principles
- Financial Services and Sales
- Management of Financial Institutions
- Commercial Banking
- Investment Banking
- International Banking
- Financial Institutions
- Real Estate Financing
- Capital Markets
- Fixed Income Securities
- Portfolio Management
- Credit Analysis and Loans
- Investment Strategies
- Equity Markets
- Quantitative Methods
- Banking Law
- Financial Planning
Often Bachelor of Business Administration programs will offer students the option to complete an internship of some form (and in some cases it is among the required credits to fulfill). Even if it is not an option, it will serve you well to complete real world training as you pursue your degree.
You could work as a bank teller during your summer breaks or some financial institutions even offer leadership training programs in the form of internships. Talk to your professors and your campus’ career services departments to find out your options for banking internships.
Undergraduate Banking Programs
There are numerous colleges and universities that offer undergraduate degree programs that help prepare students for banking careers. They may not always be called a “Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking”. Here are some other relevant degree titles you may encounter:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Banking and Finance
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Banking and Financial Institutions
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Investment Banking
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Banking and Insurance
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance (with one or more banking courses)
- Bachelor of Finance (with one or more banking courses)
Note that some schools even offer online programs for those who need a more flexible academic experience.
Banking Career Paths
Those who graduate with a BBA in Banking, or a related degree, pursue jobs at banks and other financial institutions, such as:
- Bank Leadership Program participant
- Loan Officer
- Financial Services Expert
- Financial Services Sales Agent
- Private Banker
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Investment Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Client Services Administrator
- Bank Teller Supervisor
- Finance Administrator
- Mortgage Processing Supervisor
- Assistant Branch Manager or Branch Manager
Note that some senior level and managerial jobs require several years experience in addition to education.
A banking career can also lead to international opportunities. If this interests you, look for BBA Programs that offer overseas internship opportunities. It would also be wise to study a second language as part of your electives.
