Banking courses cover topics directly related to investments, lending and retail banking operations. Professional certifications are available for banking and mortgage professionals who wish to enter the industry, learn a new specialization or update their credentials. In addition to banking courses that pertain to consumer products, there are also classes that deal specifically with commercial investments and lending.
Most banking courses are continuing education credits that individuals take beyond a four year college degree program. These courses may be taken to supplement a generalist business administration degree, while some colleges may offer these courses as electives. Finance and accounting majors will usually be exposed to banking courses and subject matter at some point in their degree program.
Investments are one of the main types of banking courses. Students may study how to advise consumers about retirement planning, portfolio diversification and investment strategies. Those who wish to become certified financial planners may take courses that lead towards the licensing requirements that they need to sell and recommend investment securities. Commercial investment courses educate professionals on managing assets and large capital investments for small businesses or large corporations.
Financial advisers who work for large investment firms may help manage the retirement plans for the employees of major corporations or help administer stock option award plans. Banking courses that deal directly with commercial investments help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to help oversee these types of savings plans. Students may also learn some of the more risky forms of investment strategies, such as hedging.
Another type of banking course deals directly with mortgages. Future and current banking professionals become acquainted with the mortgage lending and underwriting process. National laws that govern the approval process and the necessary steps that need to be taken are covered in these courses. Most future mortgage underwriters and originators need to meet local licensing requirements, which these classes help prepare them for.
Retail banking courses typically cover the operations side of the industry. Professionals may learn how to manage retail banking locations, develop sound customer service and selling skills, deal with deposits and ensure employee safety. Students may learn about the various products that retail banking locations can offer. Some of those products include vehicle and personal loans, deposit accounts, credit cards, individual retirement plans and insurance.
Classes that cover retail operations may also deal with up and coming trends, especially in mobile and online banking. As technology becomes integrated into a retail bank's service and delivery, employees must continue to stay educated on what can be offered to the customer. Employees also need to be aware of how the technology works so they can accurately address consumer questions and concerns.
