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Online Finance Certificate

Fast facts

Fact 1

Credit Hours

12

Fact 2

Per Credit

$760

Fact 3

Semesters

2

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Program Benefits

  • Apply Credits to Select Graduate Programs
  • Digital Badging for all Graduate Certificate Courses
  • Course Topics Include Financial Markets, Security Analysis, and Portfolio Management

Earn a Specialized Finance Credential for Success in the Business World

Every type of business relies on trained finance professionals to be successful. The skills you gain in the affordable, 100% online Finance graduate certificate will help you stand out from the competition and get qualified for the job you want. This certificate is a part of Saint Mary’s Accelerators carefully crafted series of master's-level graduate certificates. Designed to advance your career to help you meet personal and professional goals, this program can be taken alone or you can apply your credits as a pathway toward a master's degree.

Meet Your Career Goals in Just One Year

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a graduate certificate in finance program designed for professionals who want to sharpen their skills and gain relevant experience for the next step in their career. Because this program is delivered in a flexible online format, you can study on your schedule and earn a valuable business credential in two semesters or less.

The credits you earn in this certificate program can be applied toward our accelerated online MBA or one of the following:

The online Finance Graduate Certificate features a curriculum made up of core financial topics, so you learn to analyze complex information and make smart budgeting decisions that improve company outcomes. Accelerate your career with our affordable online Finance Graduate Certificate and reach your goals.

Saint Mary's Accelerators

Saint Mary's offers a selection of graduate certificate programs designed to accelerate your degree and help you achieve your goals faster. Customize your education and get a glimpse of graduate coursework by stacking Saint Mary's Accelerators, each of which requires the completion of 12–15 credits and adds only six additional credits to your degree program. Complete extra credentials and gain a competitive edge for your field while saving time and money.

Additionally, several certificate programs also offer Credly badging for each course. These badges serve as a graphic representation of the skills you gained by completing a specific course or graduate certificate program. They can be displayed on social media platforms like LinkedIn and your CV and resume to visually showcase your specific leadership knowledge and skills to current and potential employers, credentialing programs, and admissions offices.

One of the hallmarks of our “accelerators” is that they are stackable into or onto full degree programs. Students can pursue a graduate certificate and then decide to continue into a full degree program in the same or a different discipline.

-Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business and Technology

To learn more about Saint Mary's graduate certificates check out this interview with Michelle Wieser.

Curriculum

The online graduate certificate in finance from Saint Mary's provides specialized knowledge and training in essential finance skill sets, including financial markets, security analysis, and portfolio management. Our faculty are experienced business professionals who bring relevant industry knowledge to the online classroom.

Featuring 12 credits of foundational finance courses, this program is offered in a flexible format. You will develop skill sets employers are looking for and learn to make data-driven financial and investment judgments.

Courses to Accelerate Your Education

With Saint Mary's Accelerators, you'll be awarded a course-level badge upon the successful completion of each of the graduate course offerings listed below. Additionally, you'll also be awarded the graduate certificate badge upon the successful completion of all coursework required for the Accelerator Graduate Certificate you choose. You may also stack Accelerators to customize your education and prepare for diverse professional opportunities while saving time and money.

Digital Badging

Now you can share your accomplishments with your professional network using our digital badging for each course completed throughout your course of study in the Finance graduate certificate program. Learn More

graduate certificate finance saint mary's university of minnesota

Current Certificate Requirements

For current certificate requirements, visit the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota course catalog.

Program Outcomes

When you complete this program, you will be able to:

  • Analyze and interpret financial information.
  • Evaluate equity securities and assess the risk and return of investment portfolios.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct capital budgeting.
  • Assess the risks involved in engaging in foreign investments.

Prepare for In-Demand Finance Careers

The online Finance graduate certificate delivers the skill sets you need for success in a variety of finance roles. As a finance expert, you will have the specialized knowledge employers are looking for and be qualified for careers in banking, corporate finance, and financial analysis.

The average salary for business and finance professionals is $69,820, and demand is expected to grow 7% through 2028 – faster than the national average.1 Factors like globalization, a growing economy, and a need for risk-aware investment strategies are driving this impressive growth. Earning a graduate certificate in finance from Saint Mary's can put you on the path to career advancement.

Certificate Completion

The online Finance graduate certificate is designed to be completed in just one year and is financial aid eligible. No prerequisite coursework is required, and you don't need GRE/GMAT scores to apply.

For admission to the program, you'll need:

  • An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • A written statement: Your background and future goals all impact your success with Saint Mary's and inform your education. As you prepare your written statement, think about including previous experiences, education, and your strengths and interests. Share your motivations for entering the online Finance Certificate program and how it will contribute to your career.
  • The names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who can serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
  • A current resume: Include both your educational and professional experience.

If your overall GPA is below 2.75, you may receive conditional status in the program at the discretion of the program director.

For more information about the online Finance certificate, contact us or call 877-308-9954 to speak to an enrollment counselor.

Resources:

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Business and Financial Occupations. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm.