Finance Certificate | Office | Website

The College of Business Administration at the University of Detroit Mercy offers a program of Certification in Finance. This professional certificate is based on the concept that analytical and practical tools are fundamental to preparing effective financial managers or analysts.

The UDM Certificate in Finance consists of an integrated sequence of courses that gives students a broad and thorough foundation in financial analysis and management. This professional certificate is ideal if you are interested in becoming a financial professional who will lead your organization's efforts to raise capital, invest funds, generate returns, and manage assets.

UDM was among the first to see the importance of ethics in the business world. In a business climate inflamed by recent corporate scandals, this certificate is also designed to give students in-depth knowledge of business ethics in the context of financial decisions. A focus of the certificate is the ethical responsibilities of corporate executives, directors, officers, managers, financial intermediaries, analysts, and employees at all levels.

Admission decisions are based on an undergraduate GPA, GMAT score (if needed), work experience, and other degrees.

• A University of Detroit Mercy Graduate Application Form, with the application fee (waived for online applications);
• Official transcripts for all previous academic work;
• A resume; and
• Any other information such as letters of recommendation which the applicant feels is important to the admission decision.

The Certificate in Finance is a 15 credit hour program.

Required Courses

Elective Courses (2 courses required)

Foundation Courses
All students are required to show competence in Foundations of Finance and Accounting by taking MBA 5180 and ACC 5100 respectively, or an equivalent, or show prior academic preparation through their academic transcripts. Credit will be given for courses taken to fulfill this requirement but this credit will not count towards the Certificate.

Guest Student Status
Individuals currently enrolled in another AACSB accredited MBA program may obtain Guest Student Status at the University of Detroit Mercy for a limited number of courses by providing a statement of good standing from their school's Dean or program director, or by applying for guest student status using a Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate School form (MIGS). The MIGS application can be obtained in the Graduate Business Programs Office.

Several important aspects of the Finance Certificate Program should be noted. These include policies regarding grade point averages, class scheduling, and advising.

Cumulative Grade Point Average
Students in the Finance Certificate Program are required to achieve and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale). A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for final completion of the program requirements.

Academic Standing
While an individual may be admitted into the Finance Certificate Program on a regular-acceptance basis, it is possible that the individual's eventual cumulative GPA may fall below a 3.0 in any particular term. When this situation occurs, the student automatically is placed on "Academic Probation". This status dictates that the student's cumulative GPA must continue to improve in each consecutive term thereafter until the cumulative GPA reaches 3.0 and is then sustained at that level or higher. If, after being placed on Academic Probation, the student's cumulative GPA does not improve in each subsequent term, the student will be academically dismissed.

Class Scheduling
Classes are scheduled in the evening and on the weekend. Classes are currently offered on the McNichols Campus. Evening classes begin at either 6:00 or 6:40 p.m., Monday through Thursday for Term I and Term II. Term I, commencing the day after Labor Day, is 15 weeks in length; Term II, commencing in early January, is also 15 weeks long. Each summer session is seven weeks in length. Summer I commences in early May. Summer II begins in late June. Evening classes for both sessions are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30-8:00 p.m. and 8:10-10:40 p.m.

Full-Time and Part-Time Student Status
An individual may undertake the Finance Certificate Program on a part-time basis. Full-time student status usually involves a nine or above credit-hour course load in Terms I and II. Part-time student status usually entails a 1-8 credit hour load in Terms I and II.

Residence and Time Requirements
Students who have not completed their required Certificate Program within two years may be subject to re-evaluation and additional coursework. Students not enrolled for more than two consecutive terms (without prior approval of the program director) may be required to re-apply for admission.

International Students
International students should consult with the International Services Office.

Advising
The Director of Graduate Business Programs serves as general academic advisor for all students entering the Finance Certificate Program. When appropriate, specific advising matters may be referred to the advisor in a particular academic discipline.

Student Responsibilities
Students in the College of Business Administration are responsible and accountable for knowledge of the requirements and procedures set forth by the College and University. Administrators, advisors, and faculty are available to assist students by explaining the various requirements and procedures for each program. However, the ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with the student.

MBA students may use their three MBA electives to concentrate in Finance. In order to receive the Certificate in Finance, two (2) additional Finance elective courses are required beyond the MBA degree requirements, totaling five (5) courses. For details, a student should consult with the Director of Graduate Business Programs.