The Certificate of Specialization of Finance is designed to develop analytic and critical thinking skills in the financial area in businesses. Courses emphasize financial accounting, securities valuation, financial analysis, cash flow and investment management.

Program Outcomes

1. Function effectively in an entry-level or training position in the Finance, Treasurer or Investment Department of a small to mid-size enterprise or as an entry-level or training analyst in an investment banking or financial services firm.
2. Effectively apply and utilize the accounting and financial principles and techniques they have learned in a business environment or at a four-year college business administration program.
3. Determine the viability and net cash flows of security and capital investments.

Certificate of Specialization Requirements

The Certificate of Specialization is a locally approved career program that requires sixteen units or fewer units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Specialization are not automatically awarded, not printed on official academic transcripts, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation.  Please contact the division for details regarding the submission of petitions as procedures for each division vary.  Most division offices prefer that students complete all of the required courses and then provide a copy of the transcript while some divisions allow petitions for Certificates of Specialization before finishing.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.