A good start to a career in finance and banking is an associate degree. This article looks at a typical associate program and the kinds of business and accounting courses that come with it. You can also check out some career options in banking.
What Is a Banking and Finance Associate Degree Program?
An associate degree in banking and finance focuses on marketing and advertising, retirement investing, credit reporting, lending standards and accounting principles. If you are working in the world of banking and finance and want to further your career, or if you just want to begin your career path in the banking and financing industry, you can get started with an associate degree.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Level</b></td><td>Associate</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Offerings</b></td><td>Accounting, business communications, banking instruments, legal environment of business, business math</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$32,620 for bank tellers*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>-15% decline for bank tellers*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Continuing Education</b></td><td>Bachelor's in finance, accounting, business administration or a related area</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalRequirementsForABankingAndFinanceDegree">What Are the Educational Requirements for a Banking and Finance Degree?</h3><p>Sixty credit hours are most commonly needed to meet the minimum requirements for an associate degree in banking and finance. If you took preliminary courses in high school, those credits may apply towards your college degree. College level courses may include:
</p><ul><li>Foundation in banking
</li><li>Accounting I & II
</li><li>Business math
</li><li>Business communications
</li><li>Introduction to trust functions
</li><li>Human relations in an organizational environment
</li><li>Banking instruments
</li><li>Legal environment of business
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheOccupationalOutlookForTheBankingAndFinanceIndustry">What is the Occupational Outlook for the Banking and Finance Industry?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $32,620 for bank tellers in May 2020. It is suggested that you continue your education to the bachelor's degree level and focus your studies in one of several related areas, including finance, accounting or business administration, in order to advance in the field of finance into management positions.</p>
