Minor in Banking
Hours: 21 On-Campus Online
About
The Minor in Banking at Fort Hays State University provides students with a strong foundation in the banking industry, preparing them for careers in banking, finance, and economics. The minor can be completed in as few as 21 credit hours. Students who are not business majors must also complete an additional 12 credit hours of prerequisite courses.
Why pursue a Minor in Banking at Fort Hays State University?
The minor emphasizes commercial banking through three regularly offered courses, providing a curriculum that goes beyond traditional finance education. Students develop specialized knowledge in banking operations, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
What sets this program apart is its affiliation with the Robbins Banking Institute, a center dedicated to offering real-world experiences and industry connections. Through the Institute, students engage with banking professionals, gain valuable networking opportunities, and experience firsthand the practical application of banking principles.
Who is this program for?
The Minor in Banking serves as a valuable addition to a wide range of academic and career paths. Designed to accommodate diverse goals and backgrounds, the program is well-suited for:
- Individuals interested in working in the banking industry
- Students who want to increase their earning potential
- Business degree majors
- All students interested in finance
Real-World Applications
Students have an opportunity to participate in immersive bank simulations that provide hands-on experience in a realistic banking environment. These simulations help develop key skills, including customer service, loan origination, and risk management.
In addition, case studies are an integral part of the curriculum. They allow students to analyze financial data, address complex issues, and make informed decisions within the context of the banking industry.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
As the financial sector continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in banking remains strong. For students pursuing a business degree and seeking a rewarding career in the financial services industry, this minor offers a valuable opportunity.
One of Fort Hays State University’s greatest strengths is its dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends. The faculty are skilled educators and active participants in the banking sector. Through their engagement with current developments, the integration of guest speakers, and ongoing research, they ensure the curriculum remains relevant and that students are fully prepared to navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving financial landscape.
Hands-on Activities
The Minor in Banking emphasizes experiential learning through a variety of integrated activities, preparing students to launch or advance their careers while equipping them to navigate professional challenges. A cornerstone of the minor is the bank simulation project, a hands-on component of the Bank Strategy course that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world banking scenarios.
What You’ll Learn:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of commercial banking operations
- Develop specialized knowledge in risk management and decision-making processes
- Enhance interpersonal skills through effective communication practices
- Obtain customer service and communication expertise
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in immersive bank simulations
- Analyze financial data through case studies
- Network with banking professionals through the Robbins Banking Institute
- Stay informed of industry trends through faculty expertise
The curriculum provides strong preparation for students pursuing careers in banking and related fields, offering a solid foundation in the core principles and practices of the industry. It emphasizes the fundamentals of commercial banking, ensuring students gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
FIN 201: Principles of Banking
This course offers an overview of banking, with a focus on current trends and key issues. Students will learn about bank organization, employee roles, the regulatory environment, the Federal Reserve, deposit services, credit functions, and financial performance analysis.
FIN 642: Bank Management
This course examines the organization and operations of national and state banks, including the balance sheet of a commercial bank, liquidity management, asset management, loans and discounts, credit analysis, interest rates, investment account management, trust services, capital funds management, and the safety of banks.
FIN 643: Bank Strategy
As the capstone course for Finance majors with a Banking Concentration, this course provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have obtained from their coursework in a banking environment.
Discover the full Minor in Banking course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Completing this minor strengthens students’ primary field of study while also demonstrating to potential employers their commitment to gaining additional expertise beyond their major.
Loan Officer
Loan officers play a key role in shaping the financial futures of individuals and businesses by assessing creditworthiness and approving loans. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and offer appropriate loan solutions.
Trust Officer
Trust officers manage the financial affairs of individuals and families, overseeing estate planning, investment portfolios, and charitable giving. They ensure clients’ financial stability, provide guidance on complex financial decisions, and uphold the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility.
Commercial Banker
Commercial bankers provide strategic advice on loans, enabling businesses to enhance their financial health and drive growth. They assist companies of all sizes with financing, cash flow management, and investment planning.
Credit Analyst
Credit analysts evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses, assessing financial statements, payment histories, and market conditions to determine their creditworthiness. They provide critical insights that help organizations make informed lending and investment decisions while managing financial risk.
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
The Minor in Banking is offered through the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting. Due to the broad scope of this field, the department also provides a variety of related programs, certificates, and concentrations that may interest students, including:
- BBA in Finance
- BBA in Accounting
- BBA in International Business and Economics
- Kansas Insurance Certificate
The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the banking industry, preparing them for careers in banking, finance, and economics. The structure is highly flexible, allowing for completion both on campus and online.
The curriculum covers essential aspects of commercial banking. Some courses include Managerial Finance, Principles of Banking, Bank Management, and Bank Strategy.
The program requires 21 credit hours to complete for business majors. Non-business majors will need to take an additional 12 credit hours of prerequisite classes before taking the courses in this minor.
Upon graduation, students can pursue careers in the banking industry, including roles such as loan officers, commercial bankers, and credit analysts.
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!
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- Minor
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