Suffolk University

Programme overview

Designed for non-business majors or anyone with a general interest in finance, this graduate certificate delivers an intensive, application-oriented introduction to core finance topics. It emphasizes practical use of financial statements, statistical methods in finance, and fundamental corporate finance concepts. The program is offered part-time and intended to be completed on campus in one semester. Courses are taught by finance faculty in the Sawyer Business School; students may be able to transfer these courses into the MS in Finance or another graduate business degree if admitted.

What you'll study

The curriculum centers on:

• financial economics
• statistics and probability applied to financial management
• generation and use of financial statements
• foundational principles of corporate finance

Entry requirements

Application materials required include a completed application and a $50 application fee, a resume, unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary work (official transcripts and proof of degree conferral must be on file before the first class for admitted students), a goal statement (essay), and a 2-minute video essay in response to an application prompt. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation (two letters required if the applicant has less than one year of work experience). International applicants must provide official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-Academic scores. Semester application deadlines vary by term and applicant type (see program deadlines).

Career prospects

This certificate provides foundational finance knowledge useful for roles requiring financial statement literacy, basic financial analysis, or interaction with corporate finance functions. It is suited to professionals seeking to add finance skills to other disciplinary backgrounds or to learners preparing to continue into an MS in Finance or other graduate business program.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Federal student loan aid may be available for this program (Suffolk code 002218). Suffolk also offers institutional discounts and scholarships, including alumni awards and partner scholarship programs such as Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions; applicants are advised to consult Student Financial Services for current tuition, fees, financing options, and eligibility details.