March 11, 2024
MILWAUKEE — Marquette University School of Business Administration is launching a new Certified Professional Banking program with a vision to further professionalize the banking industry and expand the pipeline of bankers.
The new program will be piloted and is expected to launch in late 2024, providing all bankers with a common body of knowledge that includes a curriculum focused on accounting, finance, economics and evolving technology.
Director Dr. Kent Velasco said, “We are excited to create a Certified Professional Banker program that is rooted in the university's sense of social responsibility.” “This is a stake in our ground. We believe market-certified bankers will be a catalyst for elevating the industry and raising awareness about the virtues of banking.”
The new certificate program is an expansion of the College of Business Administration's foundational commercial banking program, which has placed 100 percent of its graduates into the industry since its creation in 2017. The program is one of the few undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation and the only known program of its kind in the Midwest.
The certification program takes an approach similar to how the Certified Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant programs are completed and culminates in an exam to establish a common standard of professionalism in the field.
“This is an important step forward for Marquette Business as we continue to advance our signature programs that embody academic excellence and extend to our community,” said Tim Hanley, Keyes Deputy Dean of the Keyes School of Business.
Current undergraduate programs feature experiential learning in which students evaluate and analyze actual small business loans and present them to a panel of bankers. This loan is born out of a partnership with a number of banks and community development financial institutions and is designed to create growth, jobs, and community improvement. Mr. Velasco said he intends to build on these partnerships to drive the direction of the certification program and meet the needs and aspirations of bank leaders.
“We have approached the development of our curriculum with a conscience based on the belief that modern banking has and will continue to stimulate the interests of society,” Velasco said. “At no point in my career have I seen greater demand for talent from the banking industry than now. We think there is an opportunity to make a difference.”
Market Business graduates have the knowledge to succeed, the principles to lead, and the confidence to connect what's good for business with what's good for people.This university is ranked 118th in the world US News and World Report The Best Business School and its specialized programs in finance, real estate, and supply chain management are all ranked in the top 25 in the nation. Marquette Business has six Centers of Excellence across a variety of exciting disciplines, each offering students unique applied learning opportunities, including meaningful industry interactions, networking, case competitions, and service.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers comprehensive majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. By shaping hearts and minds, Marquette prepares 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead positive change and excel. And produce results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette University is known as the 6th best university in the country for undergraduate education, innovation, and career preparation. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called upon to “make a difference.”
About Kevin Conway
Kevin is the Associate Director of University Communications in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
