Commodities Graduate Certificate

Our 9-credit Commodities Graduate Certificate focuses on several important aspects of commodities, including commodity trading operations, forecasting supply and demand functions, portfolio management, investment banking, and commodities markets. Foundations of Commodities (CMDT 6802) is required to complete the Commodities Certificate and is a recommended starting point for students to join our program. Students then choose 2 additional CMDT courses of their choice to complete the Commodities Graduate Certificate. 

Courses are designed for the working professional with all classes in an 8-week, 100% online format. To complete the Commodities Certificate, students are required to complete Foundations of Commodities and then select 2 additional courses of their choice for a total of 9 credits.  Each course offering is 3 credits.

Foundations of Commodities - CMDT 6802

An introduction to the physical aspects of commodities, connecting them to the financial markets in which commodities are traded. Fundamental concepts and terminology necessary for understanding commodity production, transportation, economics, financial analysis, and marketing are described.

Commodity Data Analysis - CMDT 6782

This course is an applied introduction to commodity data analysis. Students will learn how to analyze commodity prices using quantitative techniques. Relationships between commodities and the global economy will be investigated. Students will be introduced to forecasting techniques and be able to develop and evaluate various forecasting models.

Commodity Supply Chain Management - CMDT 6582

In this class, students will be able to comprehend the basic terminology, concepts, and structure of supply chains. Evaluate supply chain factors in the cost of commodities, investigate strategies & identify/manage common risk factors. 

Commodity Hedging - CMDT 6682

This course examines the history of commodity hedging, how companies have blown up with improper hedges and how companies have used proper hedges effectively. Students will also explore how to put on proper hedges, and learn the fundamentals of forwards, futures, swaps, and options. There will be a practical application to build hedging solutions in various industry sectors.

Commodity Trading - CMDT 6490

This course explores commodity trading as practiced at firms with organic exposures to the commodity markets, banks, merchants, hedge funds and other financial institutions. 

ESG in Energy & Commodities - CMDT 6240

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and terminology associated with ESG. The evolution of climate change and ESG will be reviewed in terms of policies and metrics. The critical need commodities (agricultural, energy, minerals, and metals) are studied to support more realistic views and opinions on climate change and ESG. 

Carbon Markets: Navigating the Future of Business - CMDT 6710

This course will introduce carbon markets in all their forms and elaborate on policies, trade, reporting, and tracking. This course will demonstrate the value of carbon management to the bottom line, allowing participants to apply learnings to new and developing business strategies practically.

All courses are offered 100% online, with quarterly start dates. The majority of classes are in an 8-week format, while a couple are in a 10-week format (please see the schedule below). Depending on the courses chosen, the certificate can be completed in as little as six months.

2023-2024 Course Schedule

Tuition is a flat rate of $4,500/course, plus additional student fees (~$180/semester). Payment options include:

• Scholarships are offered through the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities up to $8,000. All students are encouraged to apply!
• Payment Plans are offered through the CU Denver Bursar's office. 
• Third-Party Billing is available for those who are receiving company or government sponsorship.

Admission to the graduate certificate is open to any professional who has completed their BA/BS. 

Applicants are required to submit an online application, a copy of their degree-bearing transcripts, and English language proficiency (if applicable). There is a $50 domestic and $75 international application fee. 

The application deadlines for 2023 are:

• Spring I - January 6, 2023
• Spring II - March 3, 2023

As an applicant, please fill out the online application as the following for the Academic Interests page:

1. Select: Certificate
2. Select: Online
3. Certificate: Graduate Certificate in Commodities - Fully Online

For any questions, please contact the JPMCC team at jpmcc@ucdenver.edu. 

Start your application as a non-degree student

J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities courses are taught by expert faculty who have deep industry knowledge and expertise, and each course offers an applied education that targets skills across all commodities, from quantitative finance and trading to risk management and analytics. Please click here for full professor biographies.