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.
Full-Time: On-campus
Part-Time: In-person, Online
Full-Time: 2 years
Part-Time: Average 3.5 years
Full-Time: Average 5 years
Part-Time: Average 6 years
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
- FINA 6511: Options for Corporate Finance - 1 Credit
- FINA 6611: Finance for Multinationals - 1 Credit
- FINA 6623: Economic Booms & Busts - 2 Credits
- FINA 6624: Growth in the Global Economy - 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 6023: Financing Business Ventures - 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
The Career Support You Need to Succeed
No matter your career aspirations, the Carlson School 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
job openings are projected each year in the business and financial field1
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.
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