Banks often offer certification, training and advancement programs for clerks and tellers. However, a banking management position may require you to have a bachelor's degree in banking. Read on for more information on what this degree program covers and how you could train online.
Why Should I Earn A Banking Bachelor's Degree?
Though you may work your way up through the ranks from teller to a management position within a bank, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that a bachelor's degree is the most direct route to a managerial job. You may qualify as a bank officer or management trainee if you hold a bachelor's degree in an area such as business administration, finance or accounting or a liberal arts degree with business administration courses. The BLS also states that with an appropriate bachelor's degree, you might qualify for a position as an officer in the finance department of a business other than a bank.
Fortunately, you should have no difficulty locating a bachelor's degree program with a specialization in banking. The National Center for Education Statistics lists over 500 schools with programs leading to bachelor's degrees in banking, finance and financial services.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Banking regulation and compliance, financial planning, financial management, business methods, investing, banking and lending</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Some programs available entirely online; degree completion programs may be online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> Capstone or internship may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $83,660 for financial analysts</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 5% growth for financial analysts</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyProgramBeLike">What Will My Program Be Like?</h3><p>A banking program usually takes four years to complete and consists of 120-128 credits. Depending on school policy and curriculum, you might earn a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in banking or banking and finance.
</p><p>Typical courses include banking regulations and compliance, financial planning and management, banking safety, business methods, investment analysis, commercial banking and consumer lending. You may have the opportunity to serve an internship at a school-approved bank or financial institution.
</p><p>If an internship isn't offered, you might be asked to complete a senior-year capstone project. A capstone project might consist of identifying a current banking problem, then developing a comprehensive solution to it.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Online?</h3><p>You may have the chance to complete some or all courses in a banking program online. If an internship is involved, some schools might grant a waiver if you have sufficient banking experience.
</p><p>You may have the chance to pursue a degree-completion program online; this opportunity exists in some on-campus formats as well. Degree-completion programs consist entirely of upper-level courses. To qualify for admittance, you generally must hold an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts in either finance or business administration.
</p><p>Online courses are commonly delivered asynchronously, which allows you to participate at your convenience within an overall time frame. You communicate and submit assignments by way of a course management system, such as Blackboard. However, instructors might have the option of conducting some sessions in real-time as they see fit.</p>
