What You'll Learn
Designed for professionals currently working in the financial services industry or who are responsible for making financial decisions, they certificates will help you gain knowledge in focused topic areas, such as:
- Capital markets and investments
- Mergers and acquisitions
- International corporate governance
- Investment theory
- Real estate
The certificate will also help you develop an understanding of the theory and practice of corporate finance with an understanding of discounted cash flow, valuation, risk and return, capital asset pricing model, corporate capital structure, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and investment and financing decisions.
Our Community at a Glance
Students in this program receive a rigorous education in topics including organizational finance, economic theory, mergers and acquisitions, analyzing financial statements, and more.
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36
Average Age
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83%
Working Full Time
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29%
Students Outside the U.S.
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1.5 years
Average Time to Complete
Certificate Courses
The professional graduate certificate in Corporate Finance requires four courses:
- Corporate Finance course (choose one course from select group)
- Valuation course (choose one course from select group)
- Electives (choose any two courses from select group)
If you do not have background knowledge in finance, we recommend that you take an introductory course, such as MGMT E-2000 Principles of Finance, or consider the Principles of Finance certificate.
You can find courses by course group and term — fall, spring, or summer — in the certificate course search within DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Earning Your Certificate
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Stack Your Certificate Into a Degree
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your corporate finance certificate. Once completed, those four courses may count toward either a master’s degree in finance or a master’s degree in management.
This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Once you start HES, you enter a large family that spans the globe. Get to know your teammates as early into your HES journey as possible. It will enhance your experience exponentially.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,360 |
Learning & Connection
Deep learning springs from human connection. That’s why we work so hard to bring people together — whether in a live virtual classroom or an in-person seminar on campus.
Our approach to online learning fosters interaction without sacrificing flexibility. Each week, you’ll engage with your instructor, participate in peer discussions, and receive one-on-one support from teaching staff—all from your home or office.
Corporate Finance FAQs
What is corporate finance?
Corporate finance covers financial activities of corporations such as capital budgeting, capital structure, and working capital management. It involves long-term financial decisions as well as day-to-day financial management of a corporation with the goal of maximizing the value of the corporation to its shareholders.
Is corporate finance a good career path?
Corporate finance is a broad field that encompasses many roles within a company related to financial data and planning, management, and decision making. Demand for these skills is steady and spans a variety of industries. Overall, working in corporate finance is a stable career choice. Companies will always need professionals to manage their finances and capital. Advancement opportunities exist as you gain more work experience and professional development.
Is a corporate finance certificate worth it?
Earning a graduate certificate in corporate finance is an efficient way to gain advanced skills and knowledge in corporate finance over a short period of time. In four courses, you can supplement your existing skill set with focused coursework on topics highly relevant to today’s business world. A certificate also demonstrates to employers an ongoing commitment to learning and a mastery of concepts that can enhance job performance.
Is the job market for corporate finance competitive?
Corporate finance is a popular career choice, and there are generally more candidates than openings. In addition to a relevant degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field, credentials like a graduate certificate in corporate finance can help you stand out from other candidates by demonstrating that you are committed to staying up to date with the latest trends and skills in your field. This plus relevant work experience and a strong professional network can increase your competitiveness in the corporate finance job market.
