Department of Finance

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Preparing Global Finance Leaders
The Department of Finance prepares students to be informed, responsible global stewards, equipped to succeed across industries and career paths in an increasingly complex financial world.

Rigorous, Accredited Programs
Our AACSB-accredited undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs provide a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative finance, with coursework spanning corporate and personal finance, investment banking, financial engineering, real estate, and more—while also preparing students for advanced study in business, economics, public policy, and law.

Faculty Expertise & Experiential Learning
Faculty bring real-world experience directly into the classroom, integrating ethics, corporate social responsibility, experiential learning, and high-impact research into every program. By engaging daily with the current financial issues shaping global policy and markets, students are equipped to anticipate and navigate future challenges.

At the Center of Global Finance
Located in Washington, D.C., GW Business places students at the heart of the world financial stage. With access to institutions like the World Bank, IMF, U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve, and SEC—and faculty who advise them—students gain unmatched insight into the forces shaping the future of finance.

What is the Finance Program Experience Like at GW Business?

Finance Academic Programs

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Bachelor of Science in Finance

Gain foundational business knowledge while also focusing on starting your career in the financial industry, including commercial banks, investment banks, investment companies and insurance companies by learning about financial statement analysis, investing, portfolio management, real estate, money and capital markets and finance theory.

BS in Finance

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Master of Science in Finance

Engage in learning about advanced corporate finance, portfolio and risk management and other financial analysis and strategy through applied statistics, econometrics and financial and computer modeling to build a competitive toolkit for finance areas such as insurance, financial markets, real estate, financial technology or consulting.

MS in Finance

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Master of Science in Applied Finance

Combine quantitative computer skills with financial theory and practical application to be at the forefront of financial engineering and technology. Learn applied statistical and econometric analysis, financial valuation and advanced modeling while focusing on risk and portfolio management, banking and corporate finance.

MS in Applied Finance

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Ph.D in Business with a Finance Area of Focus

Build a solid foundation in theoretical and empirical financial research and learn about cover asset pricing, corporate finance, investment policies and more. Pursue independent scholarly research where resources come from top policy and research organizations.

PhD: Finance

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Graduate Certificate in Affordable Housing

This 12-credit certificate program equips professionals with the business-focused skills, knowledge, and network to address today’s critical housing challenges. Designed for those in real estate, finance, policy, and nonprofit sectors, the program prepares you to advance your career and lead impactful housing initiatives.

Certificate in Affordable Housing

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Graduate Certificate in Financial Management

This 12-credit, fully online program builds essential skills in raising, investing, and distributing capital to ethically maximize organizational value. Students gain practical training in financial planning, cost of capital, performance assessment, and effective use of financial resources.

Certificate in Financial Management

Real Estate Minor

Finance Concentration

Real Estate Concentration

Dual Master's/MBA

The GW Business 4+1 Program enables students to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in just five years.

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Our Research

Our faculty research ranges from core empirical finance research in corporate finance and investment to more specific topics in regulation and law, real estate investment and development, fixed income and derivative pricing, risk management and behavioral finance models.

Explore Research

The GW Investment Institute

The GW Investment Institute (GWII) provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in investment management. With its combination of world-class instruction, industry outreach and networking, the GW Investment Institute is a global leader in applied research and investment education.

Learn More About the GW Investment Institute