Finance
Graduate Certificate
About this program
The Graduate Certificate in Finance gives you advanced financial knowledge and tools to lead in fields like corporate finance, investment, banking and risk management. You take graduate-level courses grounded in financial theory and real data techniques. You build skills in analyzing risk, crafting investment strategies, managing assets and presenting financial insights clearly. This certificate suits MBA students and professionals looking to sharpen their finance skills or explore the field before committing to further study.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The Graduate Certificate in Finance provides students with advanced financial knowledge and skills for a professional career in the finance industry. The curriculum is based on financial theory and empirical data skills practiced by professionals in corporate finance, portfolio management, asset pricing, banking, risk management, and investment companies.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students completing the certificate will demonstrate the ability to identify financial risk in uncertain environments and make strategic and tactical plans for them.
- Students completing the certificate will demonstrate the ability to analyze, interpret and use data to make effective financial decisions.
- Students completing the certificate will demonstrate the ability to use financial tools such as discounted cash flows in spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel, Sheets), portfolio construction, and risk management.
- Students completing the certificate will demonstrate the ability to communicate financial data and recommendations via oral and written presentations.
Admissions Information
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a basic knowledge of finance provided by San Francisco State University courses FIN 350 or BUS 785 (or equivalent courses from other accredited institutions).
We welcome applications from current matriculated San Francisco State University graduate students and non-matriculated post-baccalaureate domestic students interested in the study of Finance.
Current MBA, MSA or MSBA students are not required to apply for admissions into a graduate business certificate program. The requirements can be met while seeking the graduate business degree.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines in May and October.
Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.
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Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Graduate Business Programs
Located in downtown San Francisco, SFSU’s Lam Family College of Business offers diverse graduate programs designed for today’s evolving business landscape. Students develop the skills to lead responsibly, sustainably and globally.