What skills can I learn in finance courses on Coursera?

Finance courses on Coursera cover a broad spectrum of essential skills, tailored for a diverse range of learners—from beginners to advanced professionals: Fundamental concepts in personal finance, including budgeting and investing Core principles of corporate finance, such as financial analysis and forecasting Advanced techniques in financial modeling and valuation Understanding global financial markets and how they operate Practical applications of fintech innovations in banking and finance Ethical considerations and regulatory compliance in financial decisions Risk management strategies and tools to mitigate financial exposure

Do I need prior experience in finance to start these courses?

No prior experience in finance is required to begin entry-level courses on Coursera. The courses are designed to help learners at various stages of their educational journey: Beginners can start with introductory courses that lay the groundwork for basic financial concepts. Intermediate learners can delve into more specific topics such as investments, banking, or fintech. Advanced courses are available for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in areas like quantitative finance, portfolio management, or financial regulations.

What finance certifications and credentials are available?

Coursera offers a range of finance-related credentials to fit various career goals: Professional certificates that validate your skills in finance fundamentals and specialized areas. Specialized course certificates that highlight specific skills such as financial analysis or fintech applications. Certifications developed in partnership with leading financial institutions and global finance organizations. These credentials can bolster your resume and demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field of finance.

What career opportunities are available with skills in finance?

Gaining skills in finance through Coursera can open up numerous career paths across industries, including: Financial Analyst or Advisor, providing insights and guidance on investments Corporate Finance Manager, overseeing financial operations and strategies within companies Investment Banker, facilitating large financial transactions and mergers Fintech Developer, creating technology-driven financial tools and platforms Risk Management Specialist, identifying and mitigating financial risks

Best Finance Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Finance Course Catalog

Yale University
Financial Markets
Skills you'll gain: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Market, Financial Regulation, Financial Services, Finance, Business Risk Management, Securities (Finance), Financial Policy, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Capital Markets, Behavioral Economics, Banking, Corporate Finance, Governance, Investments, Insurance, Underwriting, Derivatives, Market Dynamics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
31K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Finance and Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Return On Investment, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Reporting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Accounting, Financial Modeling, Working Capital, Balance Sheet, Accrual Accounting, Accounting, Cash Flows, Income Statement, Finance, Financial Analysis, Tax Planning, Equities, Financial Planning, Corporate Finance, Business Valuation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
14K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Finance: The Basics
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Analysis, Finance, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Investment Management, Return On Investment, Corporate Finance, Financial Management, Organizational Structure, Business, Business Management, Financial Forecasting, Leadership and Management
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
488 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Behavioral Finance
Skills you'll gain: Behavioral Economics, Decision Making, Financial Planning, Finance, Consumer Behaviour, Financial Market, Economics, Psychology, Risk Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Loans, FinTech, Lending and Underwriting, Cyber Risk, Operational Risk, Scalability, Security Testing, Regulatory Compliance, Interoperability, Payment Systems, Risk Management, Derivatives, Key Management, Cryptography, Emerging Technologies, Financial Regulations, Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, Entrepreneurship
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Finance for Non-Finance Professionals
Skills you'll gain: Capital Budgeting, Cash Flows, Finance, Financial Analysis, Business Valuation, Return On Investment, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Financial Modeling, Investments, Financial Statements, Risk Analysis, Financial Accounting, Equities
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Business Finance and Data Analysis Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Capital Budgeting, Cash Flows, Financial Statements, Microsoft Excel, Descriptive Statistics, Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, Box Plots, Probability Distribution, Finance, Financial Analysis, Data Visualization, Probability, Statistics, Business Valuation, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Mathematics, Accounting, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
University of Cambridge
Foundations of Finance
Skills you'll gain: Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Reporting, Cash Flows, Finance, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Financial Statements, Risk Management, Return On Investment, Investment Management, Business Ethics, Stakeholder Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Financial Management
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Working Capital, Revenue Recognition, Financial Statements, Credit Risk, Accrual Accounting, Financial Analysis, Investments, Corporate Finance, Business Valuation, Cash Flows, Financial Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Bookkeeping, Financial Management, Income Statement, Business Ethics, Finance, Portfolio Management, Risk Management
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Fundamentals of Finance
Skills you'll gain: Finance, Equities, Financial Modeling, Corporate Finance, Financial Analysis, Business Valuation, Investments, Investment Management, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
McMaster University
Finance for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Finance, Financial Market, Financial Analysis, Cash Flows, Financial Modeling, Capital Markets, Investments, Derivatives, Business Valuation, Financial Policy, Equities, International Finance, Loans, Project Design, Market Dynamics, Risk Management, Business Mathematics, Market Trend, Project Documentation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Principles of Sustainable Finance
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Sustainability, Risk Management, Finance, Asset Management, Investment Management, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Banking, Business Strategy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months