Do you want to learn more about investing to maximize your money and build wealth? Or maybe you’re interested in a career in the financial services industry and seek investing knowledge to prepare you for success.
Either way, investing courses on Coursera can lend a helping hand. You can choose between several options for all skill levels to choose from, and you can get started for free in minutes.
Benzinga is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Table of Contents
- Best Investing Courses on Coursera
- Best Investing Courses for All Experience Levels
- Investing Courses on Coursera for Beginners
- 1. Understanding Financial Markets by the University of Geneva
- 2. Global Financial Markets and Instruments by Rice University
- 3. Bonds and Stocks by the University of Michigan
- Intermediate Investing Courses on Coursera
- 4. Investment Strategies and Portfolio Analysis by Rice University
- 5. Creating a Portfolio by the Indian School of Business
- Advanced Investing Courses on Coursera
- 6. Portfolio Selection and Risk Management by Rice University
- 7. Biases and Portfolio Selection by Rice University
- 8. Advanced Portfolio Construction and Analysis with Python by the EDHEC Business School
- What Makes an Investing Course on Coursera Great?
- Led by Investment Expert
- Interactive
- Self-Paced
- Diverse and Expert-Led
- Get Started with an Investing Course on Coursera
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Investing Courses on Coursera
Here’s a glimpse at Benzinga’s top picks:
- Understanding Financial Markets by the University of Geneva
- Global Financial Markets and Instruments by Rice University
- Bonds and Stocks by the University of Michigan
- Investment Strategies and Portfolio Analysis by Rice University
- Creating a Portfolio by the Indian School of Business
- Portfolio Selection and Risk Management by Rice University
- Biases and Portfolio Selection by Rice University
- Advanced Portfolio Construction and Analysis with Python by the EDHEC Business School
Best Investing Courses for All Experience Levels
Here are the best investing courses on Coursera compiled into a single list. The classes are organized by skill level — beginners, intermediate students and advanced students.
A description of each course is also included to facilitate the decision-making process.
Investing Courses on Coursera for Beginners
Start with these introductory courses if you’re new to investing.
1. Understanding Financial Markets by the University of Geneva
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
Understanding Financial Markets is the first course in the Investment Management Specialization from the University of Geneva. It delves into the primary financial markets and their vital characteristics. You will also discover how these markets are connected to the economy.
The four modules are as follows:
- General Introduction and Key Concepts
- Major Financial Markets
- Other Financial Markets
- Financial Markets and the Economy
Each module includes a series of video lectures and supplementary readings. You take a quiz at the end of the modules to assess your comprehension and identify areas where you need more work.
Expect to spend 11 hours working through the course material.
Enroll now.
2. Global Financial Markets and Instruments by Rice University
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
Global Financial Markets and Instruments is presented by Rice University and explores the integral role financial markets and financial assets play in the economy.
A component of the Investment and Portfolio Management Specialization, this course entails the following segments:
- Introduction and Review of Elementary Finance Tools
- Financial System and Financial Assets: Fixed Income Securities
- Financial System and Financial Assets: Equity Securities and Derivatives
- Organization of Financial Markets and Securities Trading
There are lessons on financial instruments in major asset classes, financial markets' functionality, critical variances amongst market types and more. Plus, you will acquire foundational knowledge on dark pools, short selling, buying on margin and algorithmic trading basics.
Instructor Arzu Ozoguz is a finance faculty member at the Jones Graduate School of Business.
Enroll now.
3. Bonds and Stocks by the University of Michigan
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
In this 10-hour course from the University of Michigan, you will get an in-depth introduction to bonds and stocks and how they are valued. Instruction is provided through video lectures and readings, and you will also get an interactive learning experience with problem-based assignments relevant to each essential concept.
Bonds and Stocks is the third component in the Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization. It is divided into these sections:
- Bond Valuation
- Bond Prices and Market Data
- Stock Valuation
- Stock Prices and Market Data
The class is led by Gautam Kaul, professor of finance, and Fred M. Taylor, professor of business administration at the Ross School of Business.
Enroll now.
If you have some investing experience and want to level up your knowledge, these intermediate courses could be a good fit.
4. Investment Strategies and Portfolio Analysis by Rice University
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Investment Strategies and Portfolio Analysis is another exceptional offering from Rice University and the fourth course in the Investment and Portfolio Management Specialization. It sheds light on recent investment tactics and performance analysis measures.
Also facilitated by Arzu Ozoguz, the class is comprised of these modules:
- Performance Measurement and Benchmarking
- Active vs. Passive Investing: Risk-Adjusted Return Measures
- Performance Evaluation: Style Analysis and Performance Attribution
You’ll walk away from the course with the expertise to discuss investment and performance measurement strategies, analyze portfolio performance and formulate investment strategy solutions.
Prepare to spend 15 hours watching video lectures, reading supplementary material and taking quizzes.
Enroll now.
5. Creating a Portfolio by the Indian School of Business
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Also presented by the Indian School of Business, Creating a Portfolio provides guidance to help you develop a collection of portfolio strategies and apply them to a hedge fund. You will learn how to assess the impact of a portfolio's strategy, conduct analysis to balance out methods used and build techniques to reduce the overall portfolio risk.
Here’s what is covered in each module:
- Module 1: Efficient Market Hypothesis, Market Anomalies and How to Evaluate the Performance of Investments
- Module 2: Style Analysis, Performance Attribution, Mutual Fund Performance, Timing Measurement, Calculating the Expected Returns and Risk and The Utility Theory
- Module 3: Diversification, The Efficient Frontier, The Market Portfolio and Capital Market Line
- Module 4: Text Mining Trading Strategies and Reporting and Compliance in Trading
The course is co-facilitated by Ramabhadran Thirumalai, assistant professor, and Prasanna Tantri, assistant professor of finance and executive director for the Center for Analytical Finance.
Enroll now.
Advanced Investing Courses on Coursera
You’ll benefit from these courses if you’re an experienced investor.
6. Portfolio Selection and Risk Management by Rice University
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Free
Portfolio Selection and Risk Management is also a part of the Investment and Portfolio Management Specialization at Rice University. In this 23-hour course, Arzu Ozoguz shares insights on optimal portfolio construction, diversification and risk management.
She teaches the tools needed to assess the risk and return trade-off and how to effectively analyze portfolio choice problems. Students also learn how to devise and apply resolutions to optimize their portfolios.
The class features five modules:
- Introduction and Risk and Return
- Portfolio Construction and Diversification
- Mean-Variance Preferences
- Optimal Capital Allocation and Portfolio Choice
- Equilibrium Asset Pricing Models
Allocate 23 hours to complete the course.
Enroll now.
7. Biases and Portfolio Selection by Rice University
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Free
Biases and Portfolio Selection explains behavioral biases and irrational behavior that appear in financial markets. Discover how to identify investors' common mistakes and the impact various investment horizons and preferences have on the optimal asset allocation choice.
Take a look at what’s covered in the course:
- Efficient Markets Hypothesis and Limits of Arbitrage
- Biases and Realistic Preferences
- Inefficient Markets
- Applications: Investor Behavior
It’s also included as a part of the Investment and Portfolio Management Specialization from Rice University and takes around 17 hours to finish.
Enroll now.
8. Advanced Portfolio Construction and Analysis with Python by the EDHEC Business School
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Free
Move beyond the basics of portfolio construction with this advanced course from the EDHEC Business School. Advanced Portfolio Construction and Analysis with Python is a component of the Investment Management with Python and Machine Specialization and introduces students to innovative techniques that resonate well with key players in the industry.
It’s co-facilitated by Lionel Martellini, EDHEC-Risk Institute director and Vijay Vaidyanathan, CEO of Optimal Asset Management Inc. Lessons include:
- Style and Factors
- Robust Estimates for the Covariance Matrix
- Robust Estimates for Expected Returns
- Portfolio Optimization in Practice
Before you start, carve out 11 hours in your schedule to get through the videos, readings and quizzes.
Enroll now.
What Makes an Investing Course on Coursera Great?
With so many investing courses to choose from, how do you know which are best? Look for options that meet the following criteria.
Led by Investment Expert
The best investing courses on Coursera are facilitated by individuals with extensive financial backgrounds and investment expertise. They can convey the critical concepts you need to know so you get the results you seek.
Interactive
Many of these courses are interactive and provide more than just video lectures to share the material. You will also have access to supplementary reading material and assignments. Some instructors also weave demonstrations into the live instruction that illustrates the application of core concepts.
Self-Paced
Coursera makes it easy to master the material in the investing courses with a self-paced structure that allows you to work when it’s convenient. There are no pressing deadlines, and you’re free to spend as much time as you want on the lessons, particularly the more challenging ones that take a little more time to fully grasp.
Diverse and Expert-Led
Coursera offers a wide range of high-quality investing courses for individuals at all skill levels. Led by investment experts, these courses provide a comprehensive understanding of investing concepts through interactive activities and practical application. Coursera's self-paced structure allows learners to tailor their learning experience to their needs and goals.
Get Started with an Investing Course on Coursera
Ready to learn the essentials or advance your investing knowledge to meet your personal or career goals? Start with a course from our list of recommendations by subject-matter experts who adopt an interactive learning approach. You can work at your own pace to get the most from your online learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
When should you start investing?
A
The best time to start investing depends on your personal financial situation and goals. It is generally recommended to start early if you have a stable income and emergency fund. However, factors such as risk tolerance and financial obligations should also be considered. Consulting a financial adviser can help determine the best time to start investing based on individual circ*mstances.
Q
Do employers accept Coursera certificates?
A
Coursera certificates are generally accepted by employers as a valid form of credential, as they demonstrate knowledge and skills in a specific field. However, acceptance may vary depending on the employer and job requirements. It is important to research and understand the preferences of the employers you are targeting.
Q
Who should take an investing online course?
A
Taking an online investing course is recommended for anyone interested in improving their knowledge and skills in investing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, an online course can provide valuable insights and guidance. It is particularly beneficial for individuals actively managing their investments or considering investing in financial instruments. Ultimately, the decision to take a course depends on personal goals and interests in investing.
