Learn how today’s financial markets work

Investing: The Future of Finance

Volatility is not new to financial markets and investing has changed dramatically. The rise of FinTech and cryptocurrencies are promising—but not without risk. In this course, we’ll delve into the ways financial markets work today. Industry experts such as traders and investment bankers will teach you how companies attract investors, the role of shareholders, and how cryptocurrencies and FinTech companies are disrupting traditional finance. You will even step into the role of a financial analyst yourself. If you envision a future in the world of finance, this course is a must.

Apply Now

Bitcoin and stocks to represent finance course

Program Dates

Multiple 1-, 2- and 4-week sessions.

Eligibility

For students ages 13+.

Fees

$1495

Forget how your parents invested—it’s a new day

Understand financial markets

Learn how financial markets work for those who engage—how savers and borrowers calculate the future value of investments, equity markets and stock exchanges.

Delve into the ways companies raise capital

Explore the pros and cons of capital-raising options, such as IPO’s, bond issuance, private equity, and venture capital partnerships.

Study the new trends in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing

Follow the path of the shareholder and how money can be used to drive social change.

Uncover the mysteries of decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies

Focus on how blockchain and smart contracts work. Understand the role of decentralized finance in the future of financial markets.

Discover how FinTech companies are disrupting traditional areas of finance

Be able to describe the impacts created by the marriage of finance and technology—disruptions in lending, insurance, and real estate

Explore college majors and future careers related to the field of finance

Topics covered in this course offer a good background for those thinking about pursuing a future in business, banking, investing, private equity, FinTech, and venture capital.

How You Will Benefit:

  • Hear from expert investment bankers, traders, private equity executives, and portfolio managers
  • Understand the workings of today’s financial markets and the changes that impact both savers and borrowers
  • Know the role of ESG investing in model investment portfolios
  • Understand the language of decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies
  • Enjoy flexible learning: online lessons are delivered by dynamic videos so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University

High school student completing the WFU finance course on a tablet

Apply Now for the Next Available Course


Hear From Wake Forest

3 Learning Advantages Designed for You

  1. Final Capstone Project

    The course culminates with a final project that allows you to:

    • Put yourself in the shoes of a financial analyst
    • Pick a publicly-traded company and write an analyst report describing how “The Future of Finance” is affecting its practices and prospects.
    • Get feedback on your work from your mentors
  2. Mentoring

    You’ll receive personal 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
  3. Flexible Learning

    • 100% online, works with your schedule
    • You’ll learn through engaging video— tune in anytime that works for you
    • 30  hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
    • Engage with fellow students around the world any time, any place

Meet Your Online Immersion Faculty Member

Stephan Shipe | Finance Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Stephan D. Shipe, PhD, CFA, CFP, Assistant Teaching Professor of Finance, Wake Forest University

Professor Shipe teaches Applied Quantitative Analysis for Finance at Wake Forest University. Previous teaching affiliations include University of New Hampshire and Florida State University. He has authored numerous articles in leading financial journals and conducts research in a host of areas related to financial markets, tools and practices.

Meet the Mentors

Abdul | Investing Course Mentor

Abdul

Undergraduate student at Wake Forest University double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics and Finance. Involved in the Finance Club, as well as the Deacon Case Competition Club at Wake Forest.

Zarriea | Wake Forest Pre-College Online Investing Course Mentor

Zarriea

Undergraduate student at Wake Forest University majoring in finance with a minor in politics and international affairs. Has internship experience at Bank of America, AT&T, and South State Bank.

How to Apply:

Student at desk

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.

NOTE: please submit all application materials in English.

Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Begin the guided process

Want to know more?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re accepted?

Answers to your questions here

Scholarships

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.