Finance Graduate Certificate
Build financial management and decision-making skills using real-world tools, investment data and financial analysis techniques.
Build Expertise in Financial Management
The NC State Finance Graduate Certificate provides professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and manage capital across organizations and markets. The program explores the relationship between capital providers, financial markets and businesses while blending financial theory with practical, real-world applications.
This graduate certificate is designed for: early- to mid-career professionals seeking foundational expertise in financial management, professionals in related fields looking to strengthen their finance knowledge, and individuals who want to enhance their financial decision-making skills for career growth.
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 Finance Certificate Unique?
- Comprehensive Financial Management Skills: Develop the skills needed to make critical financial decisions in corporations and investment firms, including budgeting, project evaluation and risk management.
- Hands-on Investment Analysis Experience: Apply equity valuation methods and investment strategies in a real-world setting through the SunTrust Wolfpack Focus Fund, part of the FIN 539 Equity Valuation course.
- Global Finance Perspective: Explore international finance to understand how global markets and regulations influence corporate finance and investment decisions while preparing for leadership roles in multinational organizations.
Finance Faculty Research Spotlight
Curriculum
To earn the NC State Finance Graduate Certificate, students must complete 12 credit hours* as outlined in the Plan Requirements below. Once admitted, students complete the FIN 520 prerequisite before enrolling in additional finance certificate coursework.
*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
