Graduate Certificate in Finance Online
Gain a greater understanding of contemporary global finance strategies. With emphases on a range of financial instruments, this fast-paced online program helps you navigate today’s complex world of finance.
Program Overview
Gain specialized knowledge with a Finance Graduate Certificate
Globalization, new forms of currency and banking crises have all brought heightened awareness of the importance of strong financial management. An affordable, accelerated path toward understanding contemporary business issues, the Graduate Certificate in Finance online program provides both a managerial and hands-on perspective.
Explore modern portfolio theory, financial markets, federal regulations and various forms of securities and emerging currencies in addition to international finance and investing. Learn new strategies for risk management, diversification, stock analysis and effective use of debt and equity. The career-relevant courses in this online finance certificate program are 100% online and taught by experienced, supportive faculty.
Upon completing this finance certificate online program, you will be able to:
- Understand international finance, with an emphasis on international financial management
- Utilize and understand basic types of securities, financial markets, trading process, investment in mutual funds and other investment companies, modern portfolio theory, diversification strategy, and stock analysis and valuation
- Demonstrate the function of debt, equity, and derivative instruments, including the markets in which these securities are traded
- Understand international finance, with an emphasis on international financial management
- Utilize and understand basic types of securities, financial markets, trading process, investment in mutual funds and other investment companies, modern portfolio theory, diversification strategy, and stock analysis and valuation
- Demonstrate the function of debt, equity, and derivative instruments, including the markets in which these securities are traded
Career opportunities in finance:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Corporate Controller
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Bank Associate
- Financial Advisor
- Chief Financial Officer
- Corporate Controller
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Bank Associate
- Financial Advisor
Graduate programs also available:
St. Cloud State offers additional graduate certificates and a Master of Business Administration online. Check out our MBA and other graduate certificate online programs.
Accreditation
The Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University is accredited by AACSB International (AACSB). Less than 6% of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation. We are one of two business schools in Minnesota to hold AACSB accreditation for 45+ years, showing a long-standing record of excellence.
Tuition
Our pay-by-the-course tuition makes fiscal sense
Our accredited online graduate certificate program offers the same tuition to all in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition is affordable and includes all fees.
Tuition breakdown:
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grad Cert – Finance | $633.33 | $1,900 | $5,700* |
*Tuition includes all standard fees and is subject to change without notice. The University reserves the right to increase tuition and fees at any time. Local students may opt-in to additional fees giving them access to several on-campus resources. Click here for more information on the cost of attendance for St. Cloud State University.
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Review our calendar to see the next start date
The online graduate certificate program from St. Cloud State features 7-week courses and multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that is best for you.
Now enrolling:
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring A | 1/12/25 | 12/27/24 | 1/6/25 | 1/8/25 | 1/21/25 |
| Spring B | 3/9/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/3/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/18/25 |
| Summer A | 5/11/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/5/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/20/25 |
| Summer B | 7/6/25 | 6/20/25 | 6/26/25 | 7/1/25 | 7/15/25 |
| Fall A | 8/31/25 | 8/18/25 | 8/25/25 | 8/27/25 | 9/9/25 |
| Fall B | 10/26/25 | 10/20/25 | 10/20/25 | 10/22/25 | 11/4/25 |
Now enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Request InfoReady to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online from St. Cloud State?
Apply NowAdmissions
Find out what it takes to apply to the finance certificate program
Our streamlined admissions process makes it easy for you to get started right away. Please read the admission requirements to ensure you qualify.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- No GMAT required
Application Requirements
- Professional resume
- Contact information for two professional references
- $78 application fee
- Short-answer questions, limit to 1200 characters/about 200 words (Note: counter in the system counts characters):
- How will this graduate certificate contribute to your personal or professional growth?
- As a graduate student, what do you aspire to contribute to the certificate courses and your fellow students?
Transcripts
Please submit transcripts from all colleges attended. We will accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application; however, official transcripts will need to be submitted before the end of the first term in the program. St. Cloud State staff will download official transcripts for graduates of St. Cloud State and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Non-St. Cloud State/Minnesota State transcripts may be ordered through the records office and delivered electronically to:
- Parchment – St. Cloud State University >> Graduate Admissions
- National Student Clearinghouse – St. Cloud State University >> Graduate Admissions
Official paper and international transcripts may be mailed to:
School of Graduate Studies
720 4th Ave S
St. Cloud, MN 56301
Courses
Discover the courses you’ll study in the finance grad cert program
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Finance online, you must complete three courses (nine credit hours).
Honoring our veterans with support and resources
St. Cloud State University has been recognized by VIQTORY media as a Top 10 Military Friendly® School for embracing military students and dedicating resources to ensure their success (2021).
