Delivery
In-person, evening classes at the Dubois Center
Financial Engineering, Graduate Certificate
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Built for the future of finance.
The Financial Engineering Graduate Certificate at UNC Charlotte introduces you to the sophisticated quantitative models used to identify, measure and manage risk — building the expertise you need to move into careers in financial engineering and fintech.
You’ll learn to apply advanced financial models and analytical techniques to evaluate financial markets and support data-driven decision-making in banking, investment management and financial services.
All courses taken to complete this certificate are transferable to the M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech program, and may also apply to the MBA or other business programs.
Why get a Financial Engineering certificate at UNC Charlotte?
The Difference is Charlotte
Charlotte is home to major banking headquarters, a growing fintech sector and some of the region’s largest risk management organizations — making it one of the most concentrated markets in the country for the skills this program builds. This program connects you directly to the employers and opportunities where quantitative finance expertise is in demand.
Applied Quantitative Finance
You’ll graduate ready to evaluate complex financial instruments, build risk models and apply the analytical methods that drive decisions in investment management, banking and financial services — not just study them.
A Flexible Path Forward
This certificate can stand alone to enhance your professional expertise or serve as a pathway to the M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech. All certificate coursework can be applied toward the master’s degree — and also can apply toward the JL Price MBA or other business programs at the Belk College of Business.
Still trying to decide?
Connect with our admissions team — we'll help you figure out if the Financial Engineering graduate certificate is the right fit.
Ready to apply?
Take the next step toward a credential built for the future of finance and apply to the Financial Engineering graduate certificate.
Career Outcomes
With a Financial Engineering certificate from UNC Charlotte, you'll strengthen your ability to analyze financial markets, evaluate risk and apply quantitative methods to complex financial challenges.
These skills are valuable in roles such as:
- Risk analyst
- Quantitative analyst
- Financial analyst
- Investment analyst
- Fintech analyst
Charlotte’s concentration of banking headquarters, fintech companies and risk management organizations makes this an exceptional place to put these skills to work.
Financial Engineering
Curriculum
- ECON 6113 or STAT 6113 – Cross-Section and Time-Series Econometrics
- FINN 6210 – Financial Elements of Derivatives
- FINN 6211 – Fixed Income Securities and Credit Risk
- MBAD 6150 – Foundations of Fintech
- Other graduate classes may be approved for substitution with permission of the program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for graduate study in Financial Engineering:
- A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
- GPA of at least 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all previous coursework completed beyond high school (secondary school)
- Coursework in calculus and statistics
- An online application through the Graduate School’s application system
- A statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts of all attempted college coursework
- Official and satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and the applicant has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution
FAQs
What is financial engineering?
Financial engineering applies mathematical, statistical and computational methods to solve complex financial problems. Professionals in this field use quantitative models to evaluate investments, manage risk, analyze financial markets and support decision-making across banking, asset management and fintech organizations.
Who should consider the Financial Engineering graduate certificate?
This certificate is designed for working professionals, recent graduates and career changers who want to develop specialized expertise in quantitative finance, risk management and financial technology. It is particularly valuable for professionals working in banking, financial services, investments, analytics and related fields.
Do I need a finance background to enroll?
Students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds may be eligible to enroll. Because the curriculum includes quantitative coursework, applicants should be comfortable with mathematics and analytical problem-solving. Admission requirements can help determine whether the program is a good fit for your background and goals.
What skills will I gain?
You’ll develop skills in financial modeling, derivatives, fixed income securities, credit risk analysis, fintech and quantitative decision-making. These skills can support careers in banking, investment management, risk management and financial technology.
Can this certificate help me advance my career?
Yes. The certificate provides specialized knowledge that can help professionals strengthen their qualifications, expand their expertise and prepare for roles that require quantitative finance and risk management skills.
Can certificate courses be applied toward a master’s degree?
Yes. All courses completed as part of the Financial Engineering Graduate Certificate may be applied toward UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Financial Engineering and FinTech, subject to university policies and program requirements.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Most students finish in one to two semesters. The certificate requires 12 credit hours, and you can take courses one at a time if needed — with up to five years to complete the program.