Unlock a world of opportunities in the financial management sector with Athabasca University's flexible, online University Certificate in Finance program.
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At Athabasca University, our online University Certificate in Finance sets you on the path to a rewarding career in the financial management sector. This comprehensive program covers essential business topics like statistics, accounting, and economics, as well as specialized areas in financial markets and investment decision-making. With the flexibility to finish in as little as 1 year or at your own pace, you'll also have the option to transfer all earned credits into our Bachelor of Commerce program, opening up even more opportunities for your future.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education
Program details
Overview
Get a grounding in the knowledge you need for a career in the growing financial management sector. Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Finance includes options that will help you complete a major portion of the training required by various professional financial services associations.
In this program, you will learn theory, technical skills, and ethical perspectives relevant to business areas such as:
statistics
accounting
finance
economics
information systems
strategic management
You will also:
study financial markets, financial instruments, and investment decision-making
analyze alternative methods to get, manage, and use capital
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Our Faculty of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, placing us among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide. This distinguished accreditation, known as the gold standard in the industry, is a testament to the rigor and depth of our program, and the high-quality education it provides.
Routes and options
Ladder to a degree
All credit earned in the University Certificate in Finance program can be transferred into the Bachelor of Commerce program.
To be sure you get the most benefit from your certificate courses, if you think you may want to transfer your certificate to a degree program, you should discuss your course selection with a program advisor.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your certificate.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 6 credits at AU.
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
In Athabasca University's University Certificate in Finance program, you'll dive into a blend of required and elective courses that cover the fundamentals of finance and business. Required courses like Accounting for Managers, Microeconomics, and Corporate Finance lay the groundwork, while elective options in economics and finance let you tailor the program to your interests and career goals.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the University Certificate in Finance.
Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Focus areas
Career options
With Athabasca University's University Certificate in Finance, a wide array of careers in the financial management sector become accessible to you. From roles like Financial Analyst and Investment Advisor to specialized positions in risk management and compliance, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the diverse opportunities in this growing field.
Some possible careers may include:
financial analyst
budget analyst
credit analyst
investment advisor
financial planner
risk manager
portfolio manager
loan officer
accountant
auditor
tax advisor
treasury analyst
insurance underwriter
corporate finance associate
compliance officer
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.