Certificate Overview
The Corporate Finance Graduate Certificate builds your fluency in the theory and practice of corporate finance. In four online courses, you’ll explore financial analysis, valuation methods, capital structure, risk assessment, and the strategic decision-making that shapes how organizations allocate and manage capital.
Designed for professionals working in financial services or carrying financial responsibility within their organizations, this fully online certificate gives you the flexibility to build expertise on your schedule.
94%
Of certificate earners would recommend the program
93%
Reported being prepared for their next career steps
Skills You'll Gain
Through the Corporate Finance Graduate Certificate, you’ll learn to:
- Analyze financial performance using tools such as discounted cash flow and valuation methods.
- Evaluate investment opportunities and capital allocation decisions.
- Assess risk and return using financial models and frameworks.
- Apply principles of capital structure, corporate governance, and financial strategy.
- Interpret financial data to support decision-making in areas such as mergers and acquisitions and capital markets.
Career Outcomes
Corporate finance covers a broad range of roles and organizational responsibilities and professionals can find the right fit across multiple industries.
Our certificate earners are employed at a wide range of organizations, including:
- Bank of America
- Deloitte
- Goldman Sachs
- JP Morgan Chase
- The U.S. Army
They work in roles like:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Chief Executive
- Financial Manager
- Management Analyst
- Project Manager
Courses
The Corporate Finance Graduate Certificate includes four online courses:
- 1 corporate finance course
- 1 valuation course
- 2 elective courses
Selecting courses. Multiple course options are available during fall, spring, and summer terms. Offerings vary by term. Explore current options in the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Recommended Prerequisite Knowledge
If you do not have background knowledge in finance, we recommend that you take an introductory course, such as MGMT 2000 Principles of Finance, or consider the Principles of Finance certificate.
Upcoming Term: Fall 2026
Enroll in your first certificate course this fall — no application required.
Pre-registration opens July 6. Registration opens July 20 at 9 a.m. ET.
Featured Faculty
Andrew Azer
Assurance Senior Manager, CohnReznick
Viktoria Dalko, Ph.D.
Professor of Finance, Hult International Business School
Peter Marber, Ph.D.
Managing Director, Emerging and Frontier Markets, Global Evolution USA
Viney Sawhney
President, Boston National Capital Partners
Stackable Certificates and Degrees
Stackable credentials allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements.
If you pursue a master’s degree in one of the following two fields, you can earn this graduate certificate along the way by completing courses that fulfill both certificate and degree requirements:
This approach allows you to build specialized knowledge while making measurable progress toward your degree.
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.
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in the field of Finance, '22; Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance; Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Investment
Tuition
Support and Resources
Access to career resources, including webinars, advising, and career fairs
Weekly virtual office hours with the student advising team
Affiliate membership in the Harvard Extension Alumni Association
Earning Your Certificate
If you take two courses per semester, you can complete your certificate in 8 months. If you prefer a more flexible pace, you have up to three years to finish.
There is no formal application required. You simply register for each course.
To meet the requirements for the certificate:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete all courses within three years of starting your first eligible certificate course.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
FAQs
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.
