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Certificate in Alternative Investments
Build smarter portfolios with top alternative investment strategies
The buy side of the finance sector, particularly private equity, hedge funds, and other alternative investment firms, continues to be an attractive and highly dynamic segment of the industry. As high-net-worth individuals and other investors continue to seek asset diversification beyond traditional investment choices, alternative investments are expected to continue to grow at a rapid pace and will continue to attract talented professionals from various disciplines and backgrounds.
The Certificate in Alternative Investments is designed to provide you with the skills and insights needed to join this growing and dynamic field in finance. You will learn about the broad range of alternative investments available, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and infrastructure, as well as the role such investments play in a well-diversified portfolio. You can gain an understanding of the key elements of complex, sophisticated investment strategies used by hedge funds and other alternative investment managers. The courses in this certificate program are led by practitioners who are active in the alternative investments field who will teach you relevant and practical skills that are continuously applied in this field.
This rigorous certificate program is aligned with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) Charter curriculum and is designed to deliver core knowledge in the area of alternative investments. Early-career professionals will find this certificate program a valuable foundation to enter this area of finance. The certificate consists of two required foundational courses and two electives, and it is expected to take up to two semesters to complete.
For questions about the program, please contact sps.finance@nyu.edu.
Build smarter portfolios with top alternative investment strategies
Format
Requirements
4 courses
Estimated Total Certificate Cost
$5,760*
*Based on course prices for AY 24-25, subject to change.
Why This Certificate?
What You'll Study
TWO REQUIRED
ELECTIVES - SELECT TWO
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Certificate Specifics
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Students can complete the certificate in one year. However, students are able to enroll in courses at their own pace and have up to three years to complete the certificate.
How do I apply for the Certificate in Alternative Investments?
There is no formal application for the Certificate in Alternative Investments. We ask that you complete the Declaration of Candidacy form and you can enroll in available courses either online or by calling the Student Services Department at 212-998-7150.
What is the enrollment deadline?
Students are encouraged to enroll as soon as course registration opens on the website but must register no later than two weeks before the course start date.
Do the courses have any prerequisites?
No. The Certificate in Alternative Investments does not require any prerequisites, and all courses can be taken in any sequence.
Does tuition need to be paid in full at the start of the certificate program?
No, students pay for each course at the time of registration. Each course is paid individually as you enroll in each course.
Further questions?
If you have additional questions regarding this certificate, contact sps.finance@nyu.edu.
General Certificate FAQ
Do I need to declare candidacy for a certificate before taking my courses?
It’s preferable if you do, but you can still declare candidacy even after taking a course. Declaring candidacy does not commit you to completing it, but you will receive a 10% discount on future NYU SPS continuing education courses.
Can I apply my 10% discount on courses I’ve already taken?
Assuming the course is part of the certificate, yes, but only if the course was taken within an acceptable time frame. The academic department gives students a specific amount of time to complete a certificate. The start date would be adjusted to the first class to which we applied the discount.
Do I get a digital badge for my certificate?
Yes, if a student declares candidacy for a certificate and achieves an average overall grade of B or higher in courses counting toward the certificate, they will be awarded a certificate badge upon completion, which will be shareable on their resume and LinkedIn profile.
Do we get financial aid for these courses?
No, continuing education courses and certificates do not qualify for financial aid.
Can this course be applied to a degree?
Most continuing education programs do not count as credit toward a degree.
More questions about certificates, courses, or registration?
Please contact sps.info@nyu.edu.
