Finance Certificate
Master financial decision-making with real-world tools—from stock price databases to spreadsheet analysis.
Learn the Fundamentals of Financial Management
The NC State Finance Certificate provides professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and manage capital across firms and markets. This program emphasizes the relationship between capital providers, markets and users—blending theory with practical, real-world applications.
This certificate program is best for: early- to mid-career professionals looking to gain foundational expertise in financial management, those in related fields seeking to deepen their understanding of finance, or individuals who want to enhance their financial decision-making skills for career advancement.
12 Credit Hours
Typically completed in less than 2 years. Must complete within 4 years.
Open Enrollment
Open to all non-degree-seeking students and NC State graduate students.
Online Delivery*
Available fully online. *Select in-person options available for Jenkins graduate students.
Stackable
Can be applied to Poole College’s master’s degree business programs.
What Makes this Program Unique?
- Comprehensive Financial Skills: Gain the skills to make critical financial decisions in corporations and investment firms—including budgeting, project analysis and risk management.
- Hands-on Investment Experience: Apply equity valuation and investment strategies in a real-world setting through the SunTrust Wolfpack Focus Fund, part of the MBA 524 Equity Valuation Course.
- Global Financial Perspective: Explore international finance to understand how global markets and regulations impact corporate and investment decisions, preparing for leadership in multinational firms.
Research Spotlight
Curriculum
To earn the NC State Graduate Finance Certificate, students need to complete 12 credit hours* as outlined in the Plan Requirements below. Once admitted to the program, students must complete the MBA 520 prerequisite before enrolling in any other certification course.
*One credit hour represents approximately one hour of direct faculty instruction (delivered in person or online) and at least two hours of additional student work per week.
IMPORTANT: The courses below provide an overview of the program’s breadth, but specific program requirements can change. As this publicly-available list is updated a limited number of times annually, current students should contact their academic advisor for the most up-to-date course information.
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 3 | |
ACC 501 | Financial Accounting for Decision Makers | |
FIN 520 | Principles of Finance | |
| Elective Courses | 9 | |
| Select nine credit hours of coursework from the following: | ||
FIN 521 | Advanced Corporate Finance | |
FIN 522 | Financial Modeling | |
FIN 530 | Investments | |
FIN 539 | Equity Valuation | |
FIN 526 | International Finance | |
FIN 590 | Special Topics in Finance (Advanced Investments) | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Student Resources
Students earning graduate certificates have access to many of the same resources as students in our degree programs, including:
- Wolfpack One Card: The Wolfpack One Card (student ID) provides access to student resources, including the university library. For more information, visit Wolfpack One Card Services.
- Campus Resources: Certificate-only students have access to resources such as the Writing Center, wellness programs and entrepreneurship support.
Meet the Program Director
