Becoming an Investor: An Inside Look at Finance
A career in finance starts with understanding how markets actually work. This course breaks down the mechanics of investing, from how stock trades are executed to the valuation models used to assess a company's worth. You'll analyze real companies, build your own investment portfolio, and explore the growing influence of fintech and digital assets. By applying these concepts hands-on, you'll get a clearer picture of whether a career in finance, consulting, or fintech aligns with your career goals.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
College Credit Course Fees
$3,995
Enrichment Course Fees
$1,895
What's the Difference Between Our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?
Both enrichment and college credit–bearing options feature engaging online lessons and instructional support. College credit–bearing courses include additional coursework and offer the opportunity to earn academic credit upon successful completion. Some course content overlaps across both options, so students are encouraged to choose the format that best aligns with their academic or professional goals.
College Credit Courses$3,995
Length of Course: Multi-length course options
Instruction & Activities: 128 hours
Grading: Letter grade
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours: ✔️
Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript
Enrichment Courses$1,895
Length of Course: 1-, 2-, or 4-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours
Grading: Pass/Fail
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours:❌
Certificate of Completion:✔️
How Financial Markets Work and How Investors Make Decisions
Understanding Financial Markets and Investment Choices
Identify why financial markets exist and how they support economic activity. Differentiate between core asset types and the critical distinction between long-term investing and short-term speculation.
Building a Portfolio With Purpose
Analyze how investors design portfolios by balancing specific risks against potential rewards. Determine how asset allocation and diversification reflect distinct financial objectives and long-term goals.
Inside The Mechanics Of Trading
Visualize the transaction lifecycle by exploring brokerages, order strategies, and market makers. Understand how advanced contracts influence price formation as trades move through the financial system.
Valuing Companies And Assessing Opportunity
Compare internal and external valuation methods used to determine if an asset is priced appropriately. Support investment decisions by applying different approaches to analyze companies across market conditions.
Technology and the Evolution of Finance
Investigate how fintech platforms and blockchain technology are actively transforming financial services. Examine the rise of digital assets to understand how innovation reshapes the global investing landscape.
Applying Investment Skills to Career Paths
Apply risk analysis, valuation, and portfolio strategy through a capstone project focused on evaluating a public company. Discover how these skills support careers in financial services, asset management, consulting, analytics, fintech, and related fields.
What You Gain From This Experience
- A clear understanding of how financial markets operate and how investment decisions are made.
- Experience evaluating risk, value, and opportunity across different asset types.
- Insight into how portfolio design and valuation inform long-term investment strategy.
- Application of investment concepts through a Final Capstone Project focused on real companies.
- A Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University upon successful completion of the course.
What Sets This Program Apart
A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance
- Analyze a publicly traded company using financial data, valuation tools, and risk assessment.
- Determine how an investment fits within a diversified portfolio aligned with specific goals.
Instructional Guidance And Mentorship
- Receive feedback from course mentors as you refine assumptions and analytical conclusions.
- Strengthen confidence in financial reasoning through guided review of your work.
Flexible Learning With Clear Expectations
- Progress through coursework on a predictable timeline that supports steady development of skills.
- Balance analysis, assignments, and project work alongside academic or professional commitments.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty
Professor James J. Angel, Ph.D.
Academic Director, FINRA-Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional
Professor Angel specializes in the market structure and regulation of global financial markets, and he has visited over 75 financial exchanges around the world. He teaches undergraduate, MBA, and executive courses, including Fintech, and Investments. ''Dr. Jim'' has testified before Congress about issues relating to the design of financial markets, has been quoted in hundreds of newspaper articles, and has appeared numerous times on radio and television. Professor Angel is also a co-inventor on 12 fintech patents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.