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Submitter's Information
Kymeshia Taylor
Business Professor
Los Angeles
LA Harbor College
CTE Dean
Priscilla Lopez
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Program Details
Certificate of Achievement in Banking and Finance
New Program
Banking and Finance (050400)
08/01/26
The Banking and Finance Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who are interested in a career in the banking and finance industries. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have a broad understanding of the principles and practices of the financial world. The program prepares students for employment in entry-level positions such as loan interviewers and clerks, new accounts clerks, and tellers. The program serves as an excellent pathway into the AS-T in Business Administration 2.0.
Students completing the certificate have demonstrated the skills needed to work in various areas of banking and finance, supporting professional tasks in financial services, operations, and customer account management.
After completing this certificate in Banking and Finance, a student will be able to:
1. Communication: Students will effectively communicate financial concepts, banking procedures, and regulatory information using appropriate industry terminology in both written and oral formats.
2. Cognition: Students will analyze financial data and apply economic principles to make informed decisions in banking and financial service environments.
3. Information Literacy and Technological Competency: Students will demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate, and use financial tools and technologies to process transactions, manage accounts, and interpret financial reports.
4. Social Responsibility and Ethics: Students will evaluate ethical considerations and regulatory standards in financial decision-making and demonstrate professional responsibility in banking and finance practices.
Examples of Banking and Finance employers include (based on LMI data report):
• Wells Fargo
• Robert Half
• Advantage Credit Union
• JPMorgan Chase
• Balancing (ledger/billing)
• University of California
The AS-T in Business Administration 2.0 at LA Harbor College and other colleges within the district prepares students to transfer to 4-year programs at various colleges and universities.
Program Requirements Table
| Requirements | Discipline & Course # | Course Name | Units | Sequenc | |
| Required Core | BUS 001 | Introduction to Business | 3 | Fall | |
| BUS 038 or BUS 015 or STATS 001 or MATH 227 or MATH 236 | Business Computations, Statistics, or Calculus for Business | 3 | Fall | |
| FIN 008 | Personal Finance and Investments | 3 | Fall | |
| FIN 015 | Principles of Banking | 3 | Spring | |
| BUS 005 | Business Law | 3 | Spring | |
| BUS 185 | Directed Study- Business | 1 | Spring |
Required Major Total: 16-17 units
Completion of LAHC GE: 0 units
Possible Double Counting: 0 units
Non-Major Electives to reach 60 units: 0 units
Total Units: 16-17 units
*Total units can increase based on the student’s selection of the statistics course.
BUS 001, BUS 005, and a selected math are core courses consistently offered as part of our associate degree pathways and included in the regular schedule rotation. These classes maintain strong enrollment, averaging 25–35 students per section each semester. In addition, Finance courses and directed studies are elective courses offered on an alternating-semester basis (based on demand). Based on steady enrollment in the Business degree, coupled with overall market demand, we anticipate awarding approximately 30 certificates of completion each year.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
The goal of the Certificate of Achievement in Banking and Finance is to provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue entry-level careers in banking, financial services, and related fields. The program also prepares students for further academic study in finance, accounting, and business administration. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, financial literacy, and ethical decision-making in a global financial environment.
Course Units and Hours
16-17
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Course Report
The Certificate of Achievement in Banking and Finance provides students with the skills needed to work in banks, credit unions, investment firms, and other financial institutions. The emphasis of the program is on understanding financial systems, banking operations, monetary policy, and regulatory frameworks. Students will develop practical knowledge of financial instruments, risk evaluation, and economic decision-making. The program also builds essential skills in financial communication, data analysis, and the ethical responsibilities of financial professionals. Additional components include hands-on experience with financial tools and technology commonly used in the banking and finance industry.
Includes the program learning outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, a student should be able to:
Create a stock portfolio based on receiving a virtual currency amount.
Prepare a personal budget worksheet detailing monthly projected versus actual income and expenses.
Set up a Consolidated Statement of Condition and a Profit-and-Loss Statement for a bank.
Demonstrate a foundational understanding of banking operations, financial markets, and the role of monetary policy in domestic and global economies.
Apply financial principles and industry-standard tools to analyze data, evaluate risk, and support sound financial decision-making in professional settings.
Upon completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for careers such as credit counselors, loan clerks, new accounts clerks, credit authorizers, and bill or account collectors. These roles span a variety of financial institutions and support services. Employment opportunities in this field are projected to grow in the coming years.
| Course | Title | Units | Sequenc |
| BUS 001 | Introduction to Business | 3 | Fall |
| BUS 038 or BUS 015 or STATS 001 or MATH 227 or MATH 236 | Business Computations, Statistics, or Calculus for Business | 3 | Fall |
| FIN 008 | Personal Finance and Investments | 3 | Fall |
| FIN 015 | Principles of Banking | 3 | Spring |
| BUS 005 | Business Law | 3 | Spring |
| BUS 185 | Directed Study- Business | 1 | Spring |
Required Major Total: 16-17 units
Completion of LAHC GE: 0 units
Possible Double Counting: 0 units
Non-Major Electives to reach 60 units: 0 units
Total Units: 16-17 units
*Total units can increase based on the student’s selection of the statistics course.
Supporting Documents
Los Angeles Regional Questions
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles Harbor College
Priscilla Lopez
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New Program
Los Angeles Harbor College currently offers multiple certificates in business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship; however, we have no parallel certifications in finance and banking. This gap presents a timely opportunity to launch a Certificate of Achievement in Finance and Banking that articulates directly into our degree pathways.
While Los Angeles City College offers a certificate in banking and finance, our curriculum prioritizes a tightly focused, workforce-aligned core in banking, finance, and law and culminates in an applied capstone portfolio demonstrating work readiness. This streamlined architecture shortens time to completion and reduces cost while avoiding duplication with broader programs and maintaining clear articulation into LAHC business degree pathways.
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Submission Details
12/03/25 - 09:29 AM
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