Finance Certificate: Professional Investment Analysis

A certificate program in finance will be of particular interest to financial professionals seeking to update their skills or acquire a new expertise, as well as to graduate students in the School of Business who wish to leverage their advanced degrees by stacking a complementary credential in their skills inventory.  The Certificate in Professional Investment Analysis prepares individuals for rewarding career progression in the fields of securities analysis and investment management.  The program of study develops the ethical framework and analytical skills to interpret financial statements, evaluate investment products, navigate the capital markets, and assist clients in the management of investment portfolios.  In developing these competencies, the Professional Investment Analysis certificate incorporates the Level I and Level II curriculum of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Program administered by CFA Institute, where NJCU is an affiliated university. Students are encouraged to pursue the globally recognized CFA credential along with their certificate.

Courses taken toward the certificate can be applied to an M.S. specialization. 

Prerequisite Courses (as required):
ACCT 501Financial Accounting I3
FINC 504Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions3
Required Core Program:15
FINC 506Managerial Economics3
FINC 507Corporate Financial Management3
ACCT 559Analysis of Financial Statements3
FINC 673Investment Planning and Portfolio Analysis3
FINC 770Ethical and Professional Standards in Investment Management3
Total Credits:15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Professional Investment Analysis Certificate, students will be able to:

  1. Identify ethical issues and understand the implications of social responsibility for sustainable business practices.
  2. Evaluate information and apply critical thinking skills to identify solutions and inform business decisions.
  3. Utilize technology, apply quantitative methods and interpret data to solve business problems.
  4. Integrate knowledge of core business concepts and collaborate productively as part of a team.
  5. Work effectively in a diverse environment and understand how global and cultural issues effect the organization and its stakeholders.
  6. Compose clear and concise forms of written communication to effectively convey ideas and information associated with business topics.
  7. Communicate business concepts effectively through oral presentation.