Financial Analytics Graduate Credit Certificate Program

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Analytics is a program that lays the foundations for those students who aim to pursue a career in corporate finance or as a financial analyst. The topics include: fundamental economics theory, knowledge about various financial instruments, financial planning methods, quantitative analysis tools and software for decision-making, portfolio management, valuation of fixed income securities and financial derivatives, and risk management in the global market. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the courses. It will prepare the students with the finance skills to face the real-world workplace applications.

Effective Semester: Fall 2023
Expiration Semester: Fall 2028

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information. The successful applicant is generally expected to have a minimum combined junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale.
2. Courses taken in the certificate program may be applied toward Penn State Great Valley’s Master of Finance degree, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Certificate students who wish to have certificate courses applied towards the Master of Finance must apply and be admitted to that degree program. Admission to the Master of Finance graduate degree program is a separate step and is not guaranteed.

Certificate Requirements

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.

To be awarded the graduate certificate, students must successfully complete 9 credits of course work consisting of 6 required credits and 3 elective credits. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C or better and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. The students will demonstrate enhanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
2. The students will be effective communicators in finance.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of global financial markets and their impact.

Contact