Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Banking)
Hours: 120 On-Campus Online
About
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Banking) program at Fort Hays State University prepares students for careers in commercial banking, financial services, and regulatory agencies. The program offers a comprehensive understanding of banking operations, complemented by an in-depth examination of state and federal regulatory frameworks.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Banking) at Fort Hays State University?
The BBA in Finance (Banking) program distinguishes itself with a rigorous curriculum and affordable tuition. Its comprehensive training attracts strong recruitment interest from businesses that recognize the program’s quality. Students benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful interaction with experienced, full-time faculty. Additionally, specialized courses and practical banking simulations offer a distinctive, hands-on educational experience that sets FHSU apart.
The Robbins Banking Institute, part of the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting, further enhances student learning through guest speaker sessions from diverse banking sectors and interactive activities such as banking simulations. These resources foster a well-rounded learning environment that academically prepares students and equips them with essential real-world skills.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for individuals passionate about the financial industry and seeking a career in banking. Whether entering directly from high school or advancing an existing career, the program equips students with the knowledge and practical experience necessary for success.
- Aspiring banking professionals
- Individuals interested in community banking
- Students seeking comprehensive finance education
- Bank professionals seeking opportunities for career advancement
- Those aiming for careers in financial institutions
Real-World Applications
The program combines classroom instruction with practical experiences to prepare students for real-world applications. Through guest lectures, students engage with industry professionals who offer insights into current trends and challenges in the banking industry. The program also features a banking simulation that immerses students in decision-making scenarios they are likely to face in their careers.
Additionally, students have an opportunity to complete internships at financial institutions, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This practical exposure bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce and succeed in their roles.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University incorporates the latest advancements and trends in finance into the curriculum to keep students at the forefront of the field. The program stays current by integrating ongoing research and relevant market developments into coursework. Expert faculty bring up-to-date knowledge and industry best practices into the classroom, ensuring a relevant education.
A notable enhancement is the introduction of an investments and analytics lab, which allows on-campus students to earn a Bloomberg certification. This certification provides students with a competitive advantage by demonstrating proficiency in one of the industry’s leading financial information systems.
Hands-on Activities
The BBA in Finance (Banking) program emphasizes experiential learning through a variety of hands-on activities that enhance students’ practical skills. The Robbins Banking Institute offers a unique platform for students to participate in banking simulations, providing exposure to real-world decision-making in the industry. These simulations foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities vital for their careers.
Additionally, students have an opportunity to complete internships at financial institutions, gaining valuable practical experience. These experiences enable students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, better preparing them for professional success after graduation.
What You’ll Learn:
- Community banking procedures
- Apply time value of money techniques
- Analyze capital budgeting decisions
- Evaluate risk and return relationships
- Assess investment opportunities
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Real-world case studies
- Banking simulations
- Guest speakers and industry professionals
The curriculum includes foundational business courses such as accounting, business law, marketing, and management. The finance core covers investments, intermediate corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, and quantitative methods. Students specializing in banking are required to complete three commercial banking courses and a financial statement analysis class, along with nine credit hours of banking electives.
FIN 201: Principles of Banking
This course covers the fundamentals of banking, including organizational structure, regulatory environment, and current trends. Students will learn about bank functions, deposit services, credit, and performance analysis.
FIN 642: Bank Management
This course is a study of national and state banks, including their operations, balance sheets, liquidity management, asset management, credit analysis, interest rates, investment accounts, trust services, and safety.
FIN 643: Bank Strategy
This capstone course allows students to apply their coursework skills and knowledge in a banking environment.
Discover the full Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Banking) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates receive comprehensive training and practical experience, preparing them for a diverse range of careers in finance. With a strong foundation in banking, financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies, they are well-equipped to support the financial success of businesses and individuals while pursuing ample opportunities for professional growth.
Commercial Banker
Commercial bankers manage client relationships, evaluate loan applications, and provide a range of financial services to businesses. They utilize their in-depth understanding of financial markets to make informed lending decisions, thereby helping to drive the growth and success of their institutions.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts examine financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and prepare reports to guide strategic business decisions. By analyzing market trends and company performance, they offer insights that enable organizations to make informed, profitable decisions.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers assist organizations in raising capital, structuring financial deals, and offering strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions. Using strong analytical skills and financial expertise, they guide clients through complex transactions and support growth in a competitive market.
Risk Manager
Risk managers identify, assess, and prioritize potential threats to an organization’s assets and operations. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring long-term stability, security, and profitability.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a range of finance programs tailored to diverse interests and career goals.
- BBA in Accounting
- BBA in Management
- BBA in Marketing
- Certificate in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration (Finance)
Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, benefiting from the program’s rigorous training and industry connections.
Numerous scholarships are available for finance students, particularly those interested in banking, based on academic performance, financial need, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Yes, internships may count as credit with departmental approval. This allows students to gain practical experience while enhancing their resumes and contributing to their academic requirements.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Banking) program's rigorous curriculum, smaller class sizes, experienced faculty, and specialized banking courses, supported by the Robbins Banking Institute, distinguish it from similar programs.
All on-campus finance majors at FHSU must complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts program, a 16-hour self-paced tutorial, to earn their Bloomberg certification, which enhances their competitiveness in the job market.
Information about the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting
The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.
Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
- International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Certificate
- Minor
- Bachelor's
- On-Campus
- Online
