Financial Decision-Making, Professional Certificate
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The professional Certificate in Financial Decision-Making requires 12 s.h. of credit. Students must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 in certificate coursework.
The certificate is open to individuals with a desire to build their financial decision-making knowledge and skills. It is also open to current Iowa MBA Program students. Students in the Iowa MBA Program may complete the certificate as they work toward their degree; the certificate is designed to fit into the MBA curriculum allowing students to earn the MBA and the certificate without additional coursework.
This certificate provides students with tools to evaluate financial information and make mission-driven management decisions. Students will learn to analyze, identify, and evaluate problems and solutions. This certificate is designed for managers involved in financial forecasting and investing or those looking to pivot into that area.
Certificate courses are offered online and select courses may occasionally be offered in Des Moines at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center (JMPEC).
Not all courses listed are regularly offered. Students should consult MyUI for course availability and/or discuss course offerings with their advisor.
The Certificate in Financial Decision-Making requires the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| MBA:8140 | Corporate Financial Reporting | 3 |
| MBA:8150 | Data and Decisions | 3 |
| ACCT:9040 | Financial Statement Analysis and Forecasting | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| BAIS:6150 | Financial Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6190 | Forecasting | 3 |
| FIN:9300 | Corporate Finance | 3 |
| FIN:9310 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 3 |
| MGMT:9185 | Project Management | 3 |
If MBA:8140 Corporate Financial Reporting or MBA:8150 Data and Decisions are waived, it must be replaced with an approved course from the preceding list.
Certificate/Graduate Degrees
Students can pursue this professional certificate concurrently with their graduate degree. A separate application to each degree program is required for students not already admitted to a Tippie College of Business graduate or professional program.
For students in graduate programs outside of the Tippie College of Business:
- With graduate program approval, students may count up to 9 s.h. from the professional certificate toward their graduate degree.
- With approval from the professional certificate program, students may count up to 3 s.h. from any graduate degree program toward their certificate.
Students should contact their degree program and the certificate program to work out combined program details.
Admission decisions are based upon completed application materials, including academic performance along with quality and quantity of work experience. For specific guidelines, see Certificate-Only Admissions on the Tippie College of Business website.
English language requirements are mandatory for applicants whose first language is not English. Information on these requirements and test options can be found on the Iowa MBA International Admissions website.
Admission decisions are made before registration begins for completed applications received by the priority application deadline. Admitted applicants who have met the priority application deadline may request registration for classes on the first registration date. See the Certificate-Only Admissions website for priority and final application deadlines.
Applications are accepted throughout the year; admission is for summer, fall, or spring entry.