Banking and Credit Analysis Certificate

Degree: Certificate
Major: Banking and Credit Analysis
Hours: 18

Delivery Options:

Banking and Credit Analysis Overview

Lamar University's Banking and Credit Analysis Certificate is an undergraduate program that teaches the foundational knowledge and skills needed for careers in the banking industry. This program is highly recommended for finance students who aspire to advance their careers or transition to commercial banking. This program is also designed for commercial lenders seeking continual education on credit analysis and loan transactions.

By enrolling in this program, you will learn advanced writing and communication skills in commercial banking, to conduct credit analysis of privately-owned companies and public firms, evaluate commercial loans' risks and performance and present proposals and reports to board members and investors. Upon graduation, you will be equipped to determine creditworthiness to inform lending decisions for banks, investment firms or corporate departments.

Banking and Credit Analysis Courses You May Take

Financial Analysis and Valuation: This course focuses on using firm accounting information to evaluate whether the firm is a good investment or lending prospect. A unique feature of the course is its multidisciplinary approach, blending financial ratios and forensic analysis from accounting, discounted cash and earnings flows from economics and finance, competitive business strategy firm management and marketing, and even concepts from psychology, into a toolkit for evaluating firm performance and value.

Commercial Banking: An overview of the regulation, operation, and management of the commercial bank; asset and liability management policy; loan policy, investment policy, capital adequacy, liquidity management.

Credit Analysis: This course provides a background in commercial lending concepts and prepares students to earn the Credit Essentials Certificate issued by the Risk Management Association (RMA) at the end of the course. The curriculum consists of nine chapters divided into three units. The course focuses on banks’ commercial loan customers and developing the tools needed to determine the viability of lending to that customer and, if viable, the optimal loan structure for that customer. The course will also delve into tips for identifying problem loans.

Mortgage Lending: Methods of real estate financing, sources of funds from financial institutions and governmental agencies. Financial instruments available to the investor, mortgege, risk analysis, and loan principles.

Money and Banking: Students will learn about the role of money in the payments system and as a store of wealth, how financial instruments are used to transfer resources from savers to borrowers and to transfer risk, how these financial instruments are traded in financial markets, how interest rates are determined in the bond market, the key services provided by banks and other depository institutions, government regulation of the financial system, and the role of central banks, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve system, in monitoring and stabilizing the economy.

Career Paths for Banking and Credit Analysis

Once you obtain this certificate, your career paths typically start with roles focusing on evaluating borrower financial health to mitigate risk for banks, investment firms or corporate departments. Professionals can advance to become a senior analyst or to management positions, with opportunities to move into relationship management or commercial lending.