Master the essentials of managing bonds, stocks and portfolios.

The finance industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. When it comes to assets, employers and individuals look for professionals with expertise in this area to help them manage risk and address market changes in an often turbulent landscape. 

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Investments introduces you to the analysis and application of investment data, techniques, and how they can be utilized across various portfolios and markets. 

Strong portfolio management is a significant competitive advantage, but executing it requires specific skills. After completing the Graduate Certificate in Applied Investments, you will be ready to navigate this fast-paced, ever-changing market and help companies optimize their assets and management.  

Interested in earning your Master of Business Administration degree? At CSU's College of Business, you can start with a certificate and finish with an MBA. The credits earned in this certificate can be applied toward the College's Online MBA, Mosaic MBA or Evening MBA programs, but please note that completion of this certificate does not guarantee admission into an MBA.  


What You'll Learn:

In a graduate certificate program of applied finance, students can expect to learn:

  • Operation of financial markets, techniques for security valuation and portfolio management 

  • Quantitative research process, data interpretation and translation and model selection and analysis 

  • Alternative investments can affect the risk and return characteristics of portfolios, including hedge funds, EFTs, private equity, futures, commodities, and real estate. 

  • How human emotions and psychological factors influence financial decision-making and financial markets 

  • Various aspects of real estate finance and investment, including a broad spectrum of principles and terms including legal concepts, financing methods, calculations and decisions, valuation, and investment.  

Certificate at a Glance
Delivery: Online
Length: Courses are offered such that the certificate may be completed in 4 semesters
Tuition: $998 per credit for 2022-2023
Credits: 10
Certificate awarded:

Graduate Certificate in Applied Investments

Courses and curriculum: Download your course roadmap
‡Additional prerequisite coursework may be required.

Admissions, Deadlines and Financial Aid

Learn more about admissions requirements to enroll in our spring or fall sessions. Visit tuition and aid for information on the latest tuition benefits available to you.


Ready to get started? Request more information today

  • Fall
    AdmissionApply by July 31
  • Spring
    AdmissionApply by Jan 1