Department of Finance

professor teaches to auditorium style seating class

Preparing Global Finance Leaders
The Department of Finance prepares students to be informed, responsible global stewards, equipped to succeed across industries and careers in banking, asset management, consulting, policy, and government in an increasingly complex, fast-moving 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 finance, investments, financial derivatives, financial technology, quantitative investing, venture capital, and real estate, and more—while preparing students for advanced study in business, economics, public policy, and law.

Learn Finance in Real-World Settings
Our expert faculty bring real-world insights directly into the classroom, integrating ethics, corporate social responsibility, and high-impact research with hands-on learning. Students apply this knowledge through internships, student-managed investment funds, and student-led clubs—building advanced technical and analytical skills while tackling current issues in investments, corporate finance, and global markets.

At the Center of Global Finance
Located in Washington, D.C., GW Business places students at the heart of the world financial stage. With the Federal Reserve, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, major consulting firms, financial institutions, and financial regulators just steps from campus, students benefit from unparalleled access to internships, networking, expert industry faculty, and career opportunities during the academic year.

What is the Finance Program Experience Like at GW Business?

Finance at GW is not only taught in the classroom. Surrounded by financial institutions, the finance programs are naturally immersive, hands-on, and accessible. Students, through the GW Investment Institute (GWII), manage over $11 million in real endowment capital, providing experience as institutional investors before graduation.

Finance Academic Programs

three students stand and talk, city streets and building in the background

Bachelor of Science in Finance

Gain foundational business knowledge while also focusing on starting your career in banking, asset management, consulting, or government by learning about financial statement analysis, investing, portfolio management, real estate and capital markets.

BS in Finance

two students sit to talk at outdoor table, laptop open in front of one, GW coffee cup next to another

Master of Science in Finance

Engage in advanced corporate finance, portfolio and risk management and other financial analysis and strategy through applied statistics, econometric, and financial and computer modeling to build a competitive toolkit for finance areas such as asset management, banking, consulting, policy or government.

MS in Finance

students listen intently in class, laptops in front of them on desks

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 portfolio management, corporate finance, policy and government.

MS in Applied Finance

business student wearing pink top smiles at camera, cherry trees blurred in the background

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

aerial view of GW campus buildings taken from top floor of another building

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

student listens in class, slight smile on her face, other students in the background

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.

professional male speaks to colleague by white board in classroom

Our Research

Finance faculty conduct research spanning core areas such as corporate finance and investments, as well as specialized topics like regulation, real estate development, fixed income and derivatives pricing, risk management, and behavioral finance models. Their most influential work leverages emerging AI technologies and policy insights to advance understanding of investor behavior, financial markets, trading strategies, and corporate governance to inform real-world financial decision-making and policy.

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