Graduate Certificate in Commodities
Develop a competitive edge in the market with CU Denver's 100% online Commodities Certificate.
Design your Commodities Certificate to match your career goals. Courses emphasize practical business techniques such as quantitative analysis, risk management, and financial modeling, with a focus on commodities such as agriculture, energy, metals, and mining.
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Degree LevelGraduate Certificate -
School & CollegeBusiness School -
Total FeesIn-State: $6,003, Out-of-State: $7,020* -
Total Credit Hours9 -
Class Type100% Online -
Time CommitmentComplete in as few as 2 semesters. -
Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
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Program Overview
The online Graduate Certificate in Commodities provides an in-depth understanding of global commodity markets and their financial drivers.
- Learn from faculty affiliated with the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities, a leader in commodities research and education.
- Tailor your studies with electives in sustainability, supply chain management, and commodity trading.
- Flexible online format designed to fit your schedule.
- Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Bloomberg, Thinkorswim, and Morningstar.
With insights from industry experts and access to cutting-edge resources, you’ll be equipped to excel in roles such as trading, risk management, and investment banking.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $667 per credit | $780* per credit |
*Out-of-state students may qualify for discounted tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.
J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities
The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities is the first of its kind in academia. This industry-aligned center connects students to career-focused opportunities through scholarships, internships, and networking with global leaders in banking, energy, and mining.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with industry leaders like CoBank, Newmont Mining, and more.
- Real-World Experience: Access to industry-standard tools and case-based learning.
- Industry-Relevant Research: Stay ahead of trends in sustainability, ESG, and commodity trading.
Example Courses
Foundations of Commodities (CMDT 6802)
This course covers commodity physical aspects, linking them to financial markets. It explores production, transportation, economics, and supply chains to succeed in commodity trading.
Commodities Hedging (CMDT 6682)
This course introduces commodity markets, focusing on hedgers, speculators, and arbitrageurs. Students study global links, asset relationships, and use trading software for analysis.
Carbon Markets: Navigating the Future of Business (CMDT 6710)
This course covers carbon markets, policies, trade, and tracking, highlighting their role in driving decarbonization. It demonstrates carbon management's value for business strategy.
Certificate Courses (9 Credits Total)
Required Course:
- Foundations of Commodities
Elective Options (Choose three):
- Carbon Markets: The Future of Business
- Commodity Supply Chain Management
- Commodity Valuation and Hedging
- Commodity Data Analysis
- Commodity Trading
- ESG Trends in Energy & Commodities
Career Outlook
What is the projected salary of an individual working in Commodities?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents earned a median annual salary of $76,900 in 2023, with top earners making significantly more based on experience and specialization.
What can I do with a Graduate Certificate in Commodities?
Graduates of the Commodities Certificate program are prepared for careers in:
- Commodity Trading – Buy and sell raw materials like oil, gas, and metals in global markets.
- Investment Banking – Provide financial solutions and market insights for investors.
- Portfolio Management – Build and manage commodity-driven investment strategies.
- Risk Management – Identify and mitigate financial risks tied to commodity price fluctuations.
Additionally, credits earned can be applied toward an online MBA or a Master’s in Finance at CU Denver, helping you take your career even further.
Admissions
The Graduate Certificate in Commodities is open to professionals with an undergraduate degree, with start terms in January, March, August, and October. Applicants are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores for admission to the certificate program.
Requirements:
- Online application
- Application fee ($50 domestic, $75 international)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Veteran & Military Student Benefits
CU Denver is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a CU Denver student, you will have access to the Office of Veteran & Military Student Services (VMSS), which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success.
Our veteran and military students may use both veterans benefits and financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with CU Denver include:
- Waived application fee
- GI Bill benefits
- Potential to be awarded credit hours for military training and experience
- Free tutoring and academic support
Your Student Success Coach
When you join CU Denver, you’ll be connected with a Student Success Coach who provides personalized support as you work toward your academic, professional, and personal goals. As your advocate at CU, your Student Success Coach will:
- Help you register for online courses
- Introduce you to online learning technologies
- Act as your liaison for various university departments
- Work with you to clarify your academic and professional goals
- Address any challenges you encounter throughout your program
- Connect you with university services and resources to help you reach your goals
Frequently Asked Questions
The program can be completed in as few as two semesters.
Yes, credits can count toward CU Denver’s online MBA or Master’s in Finance.
No, GRE/GMAT scores are not required.
Tools such as Bloomberg, Thinkorswim, and Morningstar are integrated into the curriculum.
Tuition & Financial Aid
CU Denver strives to make education affordable and accessible. In-state tuition starts at $667 per credit hour (with COF applied). Scholarships are available through the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities and other university resources. Key scholarships include:
J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities Scholarship
Scholarships provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to learn the complex relationships among finance, commodities and risk management.
Anadarko Petroleum
Scholarships for graduate students who will pursue a business degree with a specialty in commodities.
CoBank Rural America
Scholarships to provide undergraduate or graduate students living or working in a rural area the opportunity to learn about the relationships between finance, commodity and risk.
Newmont Mining Commodities Scholarship
Scholarships for students holding an undergraduate degree in Mining, Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geology or other engineering fields.
Trinidad Benham
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a specialization in commodities, with preference to those students with experience in agricultural commodities.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to expand your opportunities in commodity markets? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.