MBA: Finance Specialization - Banking

Prepare for a Finance Career in the Banking Sector

Our MBA with a banking specialization allows Part-Time and Full-Time MBA students to further specialize their study with courses that prepare them for jobs in areas such as credit analysis, consumer and business lending, private banking, and risk management services. A solid foundation in finance contributes to effective decision-making across the major business functions, so you'll graduate prepared for a variety of other business roles as well. Recognition as a CFA Affiliated University ensures that our curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited for preparing you to sit for the CFA exams.

format
Format

Full-Time: On-campus 
Part-Time: In-person, Online

duration
Duration

Full-Time: 2 years 
Part-Time: Average 3.5 years

work experience
Work experience

Full-Time: Average 5 years 
Part-Time: Average 6 years 

start date
Start date

Full-Time: Fall (September) 
Part-Time: Fall (September); Spring (January); Summer (June) 

Curriculum: Finance Specialization - Banking

The key topics covered in the finance coursework include the behavior of interest rates and how they affect bank activities and profits, credit risk and lending decisions, liquidity and funding risk, and regulatory requirements. Please note, not all courses listed are offered every semester. Use the One Stop Class Schedule to verify each semester's course offerings and the assigned professor.

Students should complete these six credits: 

  • FINA 6121: Debt Markets, Interest Rates, and Hedging - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6123: Financial Service Industry - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6212: Working Capital Management - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6213: Financial Capital Structure - 1 Credit
     

Choose at least six credits from the following:

  • FINA 6111: Financing over a Firm’s Lifecycle - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6114: Private & Public Equity Financing - 2 Credits (Course equivalent to FINA 6112 and FINA 6113)
  • FINA 6214: Business Valuation - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6222: Mergers and Acquisitions - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6322: Financial Modeling - 2 Credits

Additionally, we recommend students pursuing a finance specialization consider incorporating interdisciplinary courses to obtain a well-rounded business foundation. The following courses are suggested as complementary to a finance specialization:

  • ACCT 6102: Financial Statement Analysis - 2 Credits
  • ENTR 6037: Corporate Venturing - 2 Credits
  • MGMT 6004: Negotiation Strategies - 2 Credits
  • MGMT 6085: Corporate Strategy  - 4 Credits
  • MKTG 6075: Pricing Strategy - 4 Credits
  • MKTG 6088: Strategic Marketing - 3 Credits
Part time MBA students of banking and finance around board room table in discussion

The Career Support You Need to Succeed

No matter your career aspirations, Minnesota Carlson is here to support you. You can work with the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) to search for jobs, polish your resume, and practice your interview skills. It's a one-stop shop to help you on every step of your career journey.

Here are some roles our banking graduates pursue:

  • Business development manager
  • Commercial lender
  • Corporate analyst
  • Investment banker
  • Long-range planning & investment analyst 
Explore Careers
911,400

job openings are projected each year in the business and financial field1

$76,850

median salary per year for business and financial occupations in 20221

More Ways to Customize Your MBA

Explore our other specialization options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore some of our frequently asked MBA specialization questions below.

Apply to the MBA program using our online application. You will not apply to the specialization. Request information for the Full-Time or Part-Time MBA program and we're happy to answer any outstanding questions.

Generally, specializations require students to complete a track of 12-13 credits of courses within a specified subject area. Course recommendations for each specialization are outlined on the documents posted on the specialization webpage.

Yes. Choosing a specialization is not required, and you can change your pathway during your program to pursue another.

A specialization indicates your mastery of and demonstrated interest in a specific area of business, as well as your commitment to that area. Being able to tailor your degree to your goals makes you uniquely qualified for the roles you're planning to pursue after graduation.

This emphasis prepares you for banking sector jobs in areas such as credit analysis, consumer and business lending, private banking, risk management services, and more.

Stay Connected

We’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch shortly to learn more about your goals and how we can help.

Source

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Business and Financial Occupations.