The Graduate Certificate in Finance provides students with advanced financial knowledge and skills for a professional career in the finance industry.
The curriculum is based on financial theory and empirical data skills practiced by professionals in corporate finance, portfolio management, asset pricing, banking, risk management, and investment companies.
The certificate program prepares students for high-demand jobs in finance, including:
- Financial Analyst
- Corporate Treasurer
- Credit Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Manager
- Broker/Trader
- Budget Analyst
Course Requirements
All course work used to satisfy the requirements of a Certificate in Finance must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students must demonstrate an appropriate level of writing competency. For current graduate students seeking the certificate, the culminating experience meets this requirement.
Students are required to take the following core courses (12 units):
- FIN 819 Financial Management
- FIN 820 Seminar in Risk Management
- FIN 825 Seminar in Investments
- FIN 828 Seminar in Financial Markets and Institutions
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a basic knowledge of finance provided by San Francisco State University courses FIN 350 or BUS 785 (or equivalent courses from other accredited institutions).
How to Apply
We welcome applications from current matriculated San Francisco State University graduate students and non-matriculated post-baccalaureate domestic students interested in the study of Finance.
Current MBA, MSA or MSBA students are not required to apply for admissions into a graduate business certificate program. The requirements can be met while seeking the graduate business degree.
All other interested students must formally apply to the Graduate Certificate in Finance through Cal State Apply (external link). Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts, a statement of interest, and current CV/résumé. Important: to apply for certificates, go to your EXTENDED PROFILE and under DEGREE GOAL select CERTIFICATE, then choose "Graduate Certificate in Finance" and SAVE.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines in May and October.