Master the essentials of managing bonds, stocks and portfolios.
A grad student and a professor study information on a computer screen on one of the College's Bloomberg terminals.

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.  

Certificate at a Glance
Delivery: Online
Length: Can be completed in 4 semesters
Tuition: $1,165 per credit for 2026-2027
Credits: 10
Certificate awarded:

Graduate Certificate in Applied Investments

‡Additional prerequisite coursework may be required.

 

What You'll Learn:

In a graduate certificate program of applied investments, 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.  

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.

  • Fall
     Admission  Apply by July 31
  • Spring
     Admission  Apply by Jan 1