This course applies and expands financial theory and concepts from managerial finance to the case of the multinational firm. Risks arising from exchange rate movements, political events, and regulatory structures are discussed, and techniques for hedging are developed. Multinational capital budgeting and the management of assets and liabilities are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Analyze the economic exposure of a firm and develop strategies to hedge the exposure
• Evaluate the political risk of foreign investment
• Apply capital budgeting techniques to proposed foreign investments
• Determine the impact of international financial and trade flows on the firm

This course examines the principles of corporate finance and the tools and practices used in financial decision-making. It examines the treasury function of an organization and the decisions made by the treasurer. Topics include long-term financing, capital budgeting decisions, beta, debt-equity options, dividend policy analysis, and IPOs.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Use tools and techniques of corporate finance
• Support treasurer-level decision-making with financial information
• Demonstrate the ability to make capital budgeting decisions
• Create a dividend policy
• Prepare financial information necessary to take a company public

This course examines the markets and institutions that comprise the financial system. Topics covered include the determination and structure of interest rates, the impact of the Federal Reserve and other central banks on interest rates and economic growth, and the instruments of the debt market. The commercial bank is explored as a special case of a financial institution.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Evaluate the risk/return characteristics of debt instruments
• Interpret interest rate differentials among debt instruments
• Determine the effects of central bank actions on financial and non-financial firms
• Apply financial management tools to a depository financial institution

This course explores the tools and techniques used to evaluate equity securities and the management of the risk and return of portfolios. The role of portfolio theory in the construction of portfolios and performance measurement is examined. Topics include industry and competitive strategy analysis, alternative valuation methods, investment policy, asset allocation and protection, and ethical issues in security analysis and portfolio management.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Value equity securities using a variety of methods
• Construct portfolios according to varying risk/return preferences
• Evaluate the performance of a portfolio
• Analyze an industry and evaluate the performance of firms within that industry

General:

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• If your overall GPA is below 2.75, you may receive conditional status in the program at the discretion of the program director

No prerequisite coursework or experience is required for this program.

You don’t need GRE/GMAT scores to apply for this program.

Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.

Students with transcripts from universities outside the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada (except for the Quebec Province) must take and pass English proficiency testing

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
• Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%
• International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
• Duolingo with a minimum score of 100

Whether you apply through our online application via hard copy or in person with a Saint Mary’s admissions counselor, your application must include the following items:

Official transcripts: An official transcript issued to the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits must be sent separately and directly from your institution. The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota accepts official transcripts electronically from previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be sent to oladmissions@smumn.edu or mailed to:

Transcript Processing Center
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
Maitland, FL 32751

An up-to-date résumé: Include both your educational and professional experience.

Two references: Provide the names of two people (including title, organization, email, and phone number) who can serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you professionally, such as current or former supervisors.

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 earning the online Finance Certificate and how it will contribute to your career.

Upcoming application deadlines for Saint Mary’s Finance certificate online program:

• Spring: December 18, 2023
• Summer: April 22, 2024
• Fall: August 20, 2024

Upcoming start dates for Saint Mary’s Finance certificate online program:

• Spring: January 8, 2024
• Summer: May 6, 2024
• Fall: September 3, 2024

Once you’ve submitted your application, expect to be notified about acceptance approximately two weeks after your submission date.