New KU School of Business certificate program opens doors to careers in commercial banking

A new certificate program at the University of Kansas School of Business aims to prepare students for careers in commercial banking. 

The school’s undergraduate Certificate in Banking, which will officially launch in fall 2025, equips students for roles providing essential financial services that are valuable across a wide array of markets. 

“Businesses of all sizes rely on banks for lending,” said Claire Rosenfeld, assistant area director of the school’s Finance academic area who oversees the certificate program. “As a commercial banker, you become an essential part of economic growth in communities, in both small towns and large cities alike. Banking is a service and a lifeline to communities." 

Students can earn the certificate through the completion of four courses that cover financial markets and institutions, commercial credit and lending analysis, commercial bank management, and fixed income markets and securities. The certificate is most applicable to finance majors given the prerequisites for the program’s 400-level courses. 

Rosenfeld also pointed to the strong industry presence in Kansas, from the large number of banks to agricultural lenders to banking regulators, and highlighted the versatility and mobility within banking.  

“There are specific financial skillsets you use every day in banking, and you use them within the context of the geographic footprint of your bank. You have to figure out what specialized knowledge might be most relevant in your community, it could be aviation if you’re in Wichita or agriculture if you’re in a more rural setting for example,” she said. “A career in banking is really fascinating and a source of constant learning.” 

The certificate received approval in fall 2024, allowing for a group of KU Business students to begin pursuing the certificate, three of whom are expected to earn the Certificate in Banking this spring.  

More information about KU’s Certificate in Banking can be found at business.ku.edu/banking-certificate.