Becoming an Investor: An Inside Look at Finance
How do investors create wealth? What are the impacts of fintech and cryptocurrencies? What really happens to a stock once you buy it? This fascinating course navigates the complex world of finance by breaking down the basic mechanics of financial markets. You’ll learn how valuation models are used to determine a company’s value and how its value affects the price of its stock. You’ll apply what you learn to create an investment portfolio that meets your investment goals. If you see a future investing for individuals or for companies, this course is for you.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Fees
$1,795
Enter the Dynamic World of Investing
Explore the Foundations of Finance and Investing.
Learn what investment is, and what it isn’t. Begin to understand how people use markets to achieve financial gains and how markets provide social benefits.
Build an Investment Portfolio.
Identify how various types of investors manage their investments. Learn the characteristics of a strong portfolio. Evaluate portfolio risks, diversification, and constraints. Build your own investment portfolio.
Navigate the Financial System To See What an Investment Nets You.
Discover the steps to buying a stock. Learn about market “plumbing,” and how prices are set. Explore shareholder status to understand what you “get” as an investor.
Learn About Valuation Approaches To Determine an Asset’s Worth.
Calculate an asset’s worth—what you’re willing to pay and ROI. Understand pricing models. Describe why they’re useful, yet imperfect. Create a case study referencing a historical example.
Explore the World of Fintech and the Future of Finance.
Understand the union of technology and finance. Using fintech examples, identify current trends, like cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Show how fintech helps build future cash flows.
Consider College Majors and Future Careers in Investing.
Topics in this course offer a foundation for potential college majors and careers related to investing, consulting, fintech, monetary policy, financial planning, accounting, and more.
How You Will Benefit
- Describe financial markets and explain how to make money through investing.
- Determine how stock markets work by explaining the stock trade process in the U.S.
- Explain the process of wealth creation.
- Identify how valuation models are used to determine a company's value and how that affects the price of its stock.
- Identify fintech opportunities and explore digital and crypto assets.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
This course culminates with a special capstone project where you will analyze a public company to determine its potential for investors, by:
- Estimating the returns and risks for investors.
- Determining how to set an appropriate price on the company.
- Describing advantages for shareholders.
- Valuing the company based on its comparable competitors.
- Identifying future opportunities for the company.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed.
- Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Hear from Georgetown University
What Our Students Are Saying
Alyssa, investing student from N.Y."This course allowed me to understand the basics of investing while explaining the material clearly and interactively. If a student is slightly intrigued in the world of finance, they should explore their curiosity through this class."
Joel, investing student from Ill."I enjoyed everything throughout the course. The course gave me an idea on how to start investing, and was a guide for something that intrigues me and want to pursue as my career."
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.
Meet Your Mentors
Hammad
Works at a startup company with many years of professional experience.
Abdul
Student working towards a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Has many years of personal experience investing.
Connie
Has 25 years of experience as a Global IT/Telecom Manager for Fortune 500 Manufacturing companies.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application asks you to provide the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
- Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes to answer the questions.
Begin the process
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
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.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.