Our Curriculum

Learn today and be more prepared to lead the financial industry of tomorrow.

Overview

Led by acclaimed instructors, the Southeast Management School curriculum features a broad collection of courses designed to develop operational, managerial, and leadership skills. Whether shifting career tracks or preparing for succession, students find inspiration, clarity, and practical tools they need for continued leadership success.

The curriculum is closely reviewed and refined each year to align with evolving credit union trends and challenges, ensuring it remains relevant to today’s credit union professional.

Sessions & Topics

All students—first, second, and third year—will complete several self-paced (asynchronous) learning activities beginning two weeks prior to the start of in-person classes. You can expect to spend 10–15 hours completing this coursework. During the onsite week, formal class photos will also be taken.

Graduates returning to earn the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation will take part in a three‑day Alumni Event featuring updated content and collaborative learning tailored to today’s credit union landscape.

Below is an outline of sessions and topics by year and track.

The first year introduces core competencies that establish the foundation for effective leadership and credit union management. The week of learning, class bonding, and growth concludes with a multiple-choice exam demonstrating your understanding of the material.

Topics include:

  • Management ethics
  • Marketing 1
  • Ratio analysis
  • Financial analysis
  • Credit union philosophy
  • Project management
  • Introduction to data analysis tools
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Negotiations
  • Business writing
  • Communications

Due prior to attendance, rising second-year students submit their individual research projects focused on quantitative analysis of their credit unions to better understand operational performance, ratio reporting, and financial health. Year Two coursework builds on foundational concepts and prepares students to think strategically about organizational direction, leadership influence, and operational resilience. The week concludes with a multiple-choice exam applied toward CCUE certification and debate night, where research teams present oral arguments on key issues impacting the credit union industry.

Topics include:

  • Employment law
  • Practical diversity
  • Strategic thinking
  • Marketing 2
  • Asset liability
  • Experience change
  • Leveraging your strengths
  • Presentation skills

Due prior to attendance, rising third-year students complete individual research projects focused on qualitative analysis—evaluating the past, present, and future trajectory of their respective credit unions. Year Three coursework shifts toward executive-level strategy and vision. The curriculum emphasizes anticipating change, analyzing future scenarios, and applying qualitative assessment to credit union challenges. Then, the week culminates in a final multiple-choice exam toward CCUE certification, a debate night, and credit union management simulation, tying together all three years of learning in an immersive experience.

Topics include:

  • Lending topics for credit union leaders
  • Relationship with the board
  • Advanced marketing
  • Investments and ALM
  • Scenario planning
  • Utilizing data to power management decisions
  • Workforce management across generations
  • Credit union financial simulation
  • Advanced communications

The three‑day program will take graduates through:

  • Exam Review
  • Economic Update
  • Digital Marketing
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Leadership Scenarios