Objectives - Program Description
The MBA in Finance and Banking is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in financial management, investment analysis, banking operations, and global financial systems. The program integrates core business principles with specialized training in banking and financial services, preparing graduates for leadership roles in both private and public sectors. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, digital finance trends, and regulatory frameworks in emerging and developed markets.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Analyze financial statements and make data-driven decisions.
- Manage investment portfolios and assess market risks.
- Understand and apply banking regulations and compliance standards.
- Design strategic financial plans and assess capital structure.
- Apply ethical principles in financial and banking practices.
Program Structure
Duration: 2 years (full-time) or 3–4 years (part-time/online)
Total Credits: 36–42 credit hours
Delivery Mode: Online
Course Structure
Core Business Courses (24 credits)
- Managerial Economics – Application of microeconomic tools in business decision-making.
- Organizational Behavior and Leadership – Exploration of behavior in organizations and leadership strategies.
- Managerial Accounting – Cost control, budgeting, and financial planning.
- Marketing Management – Strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and market segmentation.
- Strategic Management – Capstone course in business strategy and policy formulation.
- Operations and Supply Chain Management – Optimization of processes and value chains.
- Business Ethics and Corporate Governance – Ethical frameworks and responsible leadership.
- Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions – Statistical tools and decision models.
Specialization: Finance and Banking (24 credits)
- Corporate Finance – Capital budgeting, financial analysis, and long-term planning.
- Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management – Valuation of securities, risk-return, and asset allocation.
- Banking and Financial Institutions – Structure and function of banks and non-bank institutions.
- Risk Management and Insurance – Identification and mitigation of financial and operational risks.
- International Finance – Foreign exchange, global capital markets, and cross-border investments.
- Fintech and Digital Banking – Blockchain, mobile banking, and AI in finance.
- Financial Markets and Instruments – Bonds, derivatives, and financial innovation.
- Financial Regulation and Compliance – National and international regulatory frameworks.
General Electives (Choose 2 – 6 credits)
- Real Estate Finance
- Islamic Finance and Banking
- Microfinance and Development
- Behavioral Finance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Electives Focused on Financial Markets in Developing Countries (Choose 2 – 6 credits)
- Emerging Market Finance (FINC 726)
Course Description:
Explores the structure, challenges, and opportunities of financial markets in emerging economies, with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Topics include capital flows, sovereign debt, inflationary pressures, and currency volatility.
- Development Finance and Inclusive Growth (FINC 727)
Course Description:
Analyzes financial tools for sustainable development, including public-private partnerships, development banks, and impact investing. Emphasis on financial inclusion, rural finance, and infrastructure funding in low-income countries.
- Agricultural Finance and Rural Banking (FINC 728)
Course Description:
Focuses on the design and delivery of financial services tailored to the agricultural sector and rural communities. Topics include seasonal lending, crop insurance, and mobile-based rural banking in Africa.
- Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship (FINC 723 – Revised Focus)
Course Description:
Examines the impact of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in poverty alleviation and small business growth. Emphasizes African case studies, including regulatory constraints and innovations in mobile credit delivery.
- Informal Financial Systems and Mobile Banking (FINC 729)
Course Description:
Studies the role of informal financial systems (ROSCAs, savings groups) and the rise of digital finance platforms like M-Pesa. Includes analysis of mobile banking’s impact on economic empowerment and market access in Africa.
- Public Finance and Fiscal Policy in Developing Economies (ECON 730)
Course Description:
Analyzes how governments in developing countries design tax systems, manage public debt, and finance infrastructure. Special focus on African fiscal strategies and debt sustainability.
Internship / Fieldwork (3 credits)
- Supervised experience with a bank, financial institution, or fintech firm.
Capstone Project or Thesis (3 credits)
- Applied research or consultancy project in finance/banking.
Technical Skills Developed
- Financial modeling (Excel, R, Python)
- Investment analysis (Bloomberg, Morningstar)
- Risk assessment and regulatory compliance
- Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI)
- Banking operations and reporting tools
Soft Skills Developed
- Strategic thinking
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Communication and negotiation
- Leadership and teamwork
- Ethical decision-making
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Manager
- Credit Analyst
- Compliance Officer
- Corporate Treasurer
- Fintech Product Manager
- Commercial/Corporate Banker
- Central Bank Analyst
- Wealth Manager
- Loan Officer
Curriculum
Curriculum
Course Code | Course Title | Course Description |
ECON 601 | Managerial Economics | Application of economic theory and quantitative tools to business decision-making. |
MGMT 602 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | Study of human behavior in organizations with emphasis on leadership, motivation, and team dynamics. |
ACCT 603 | Managerial Accounting | Analysis and use of accounting data for internal decision-making, planning, and control. |
MKTG 604 | Marketing Management | Strategic approach to marketing planning, market analysis, and consumer behavior. |
MGMT 605 | Strategic Management | Capstone course focusing on business strategy formulation and implementation. |
OPER 606 | Operations and Supply Chain Management | Management of operations, logistics, and value chain processes. |
ETHC 607 | Business Ethics and Corporate Governance | Ethical issues and governance principles in modern business practices. |
STAT 608 | Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions | Application of statistical and optimization models to decision-making. |
FINC 701 | Corporate Finance | Financial decision-making, capital budgeting, and value creation strategies. |
FINC 702 | Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management | Evaluation of investment opportunities and portfolio strategies. |
BANK 703 | Banking and Financial Institutions | Structure and operation of banks, credit institutions, and central banking. |
FINC 704 | Risk Management and Insurance | Principles of risk management and the role of insurance in financial planning. |
FINC 705 | International Finance | Management of international financial operations and currency exposure. |
FINC 706 | Fintech and Digital Banking | Technological innovations in financial services, including blockchain and AI. |
FINC 707 | Financial Markets and Instruments | Analysis of financial instruments, markets, and trading mechanisms. |
FINC 708 | Financial Regulation and Compliance | Study of regulatory environment and compliance practices in banking and finance. |
FINC 721 | Real Estate Finance | Financial and investment analysis in real estate markets. |
FINC 722 | Islamic Finance and Banking | Sharia-compliant financial instruments and banking practices. |
FINC 723 | Microfinance and Development | Role of microfinance in poverty alleviation and economic development. |
FINC 724 | Behavioral Finance | Psychological influences on investor behavior and market outcomes. |
FINC 725 | Mergers and Acquisitions | Strategies and financial analysis involved in corporate restructuring. |