Fueled by digital transformation, rapid innovation, and an evolving global economy, the finance industry is moving toward smarter, more inclusive, and technology-driven solutions—and the need for agile and forward-thinking professional has never been greater. The Center for Banking and Finance is dedicated to preparing students not just to enter the field, but to lead it.
Where Vision Meets Action
The College of Business already offers a strong foundation in finance education, with nearly 350 students majoring in finance and 85 minoring in banking. The Center for Banking and Finance builds upon that foundation by unlocking new opportunities for learning and development, both within and outside of the classroom.
Experiential Learning
A dynamic platform for experiential learning gives students hands-on access to financial tools that bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application.
Specialized Courses
Specialized courses in areas determined by industry partners prepare students for an increasingly competitive job market.
Industry Partnerships
Direct partnerships with local and regional brands, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies connect our students with professionals in the field.
Workforce Development
Enhanced workforce development helps students understand the full spectrum of career opportunities and addresses the growing demand for financial talent in the region.
Key Objectives
Other strategic goals include:
- Facilitating relationships that foster innovation in artificial intelligence applications within banking and finance
- Increasing enrollment in finance-related programs
- Conducting applied research in collaboration with local and regional banks
Together, these goals position the Center for Banking and Finance as a hub for academic excellence and industry partnership.
Center Leadership
Director
Mark Jensen became the inaugural Director of the Center for Banking and Finance in February 2026, bringing nearly 20 years of career banking experience with Western State Bank, most recently as Senior Vice President and Risk Officer.
He leads the day-to-day operations of the Center, oversees its budget, and teaches relevant courses in subject areas such as Management of Financial Institutions, Advanced Bank Management, Credit Analysis, Real Estate Lending, and Risk Management in Banking.
Under his visionary and collaborative leadership, the CBF aims to:
- deliver a high-quality academic experience
- prepare graduates for impactful careers
- position NDSU as a trusted industry partner
Faculty
Faculty affiliated with the Center play a vital role in delivering specialty courses. They work closely with industry partners and the Center director to ensure that the curriculum remains responsive to current and emerging trends.
Advisory Council
The Center is also guided by an advisory council, composed of the Center director, department chair, and representatives from each industry sponsor. The council helps to shape strategic priorities, ensure ongoing alignment with workforce needs, and deepen collaboration between NDSU and the regional financial sector.
Industry Partners
The Center for Banking and Finance is proud to partner with organizations whose support reflects a shared commitment to student sucess and to advancing the future of banking through education, innovation, and engagement.
350
undergraduate students majoring in finance
85
undergraduate students minoring in banking
20%
CoB undergraduate enrollment in finance programs
10%
average annual growth rate in finance programs from 2021 to 2024
Preparing Career Ready Graduates
The Center for Banking and Finance provides NDSU students with targeted professional development opportunities, preparing them with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed beyond the classroom.
- Guest speaker series
- Workshops and seminars
- Industry conferences
- Workforce development
- Mentorship opportunities
- Student-managed investment fund
- Alumni engagement
- Finance innovation lab
- Fintech case competitions