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
Typical completion time is 18 mos. Must complete within 4 years.
Open Enrollment
Open to non-degree seeking students as well as Jenkins MBA, Master of Management students and NC State graduate students.
Online Delivery
100% online with an option for in-person courses.
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.
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 3 | |
MBA 501 | Financial Accounting for Decision Makers | |
MBA 520 | Financial Management of Corporations | |
| Elective Courses | 9 | |
| Select nine credit hours of coursework from the following: | ||
MBA 521 | Advanced Corporate Finance | |
MBA 522 | Financial Modeling | |
MBA 523 | Investment Theory and Practice | |
MBA 524 | Equity Valuation | |
MBA 526 | International Finance | |
MBA 590 | Special Topics In Business Management (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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent)
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in relevant undergraduate or graduate courses (exceptions available for graduate-level work)
- Work Experience: Two years of full-time, post-baccalaureate professional experience
- English Proficiency (International Applicants): TOEFL or IELTS required unless eligible for a waiver
- Grade Requirement: A grade of B- or better (3.0 GPA) must be maintained for certificate courses
- Program Rules: No transfer credits or course substitutions. All coursework must be completed within four years.
- NC State Students: Open to current NC State graduate students, including Jenkins MBA, MAC, MMA and MRA.