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University Certificate in Finance

At a glance

  • Credential: university certificate
  • Credits: 30
  • Next start: monthly

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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About University Certificate in Finance

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 logo

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.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

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.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

You will not receive transfer credit for senior (300/400) level courses more than 10 years old in the following disciplines:

  • Accounting (ACCT)
  • Management Science (MGSC)
  • Legal Studies (LGST)
  • Marketing (MKTG)
  • Finance (FNCE)
  • Taxation (TAXX)

If you are working in the field and provide evidence of current experience in these areas, this restriction will be waived.

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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