What are the best derivatives courses online?

Some of the best online courses for learning about derivatives include Derivatives , which covers fundamental concepts, and Derivatives - Options & Futures , focusing on specific types of derivatives. For those interested in the mathematical aspects, Calculus through Data & Modeling: Limits & Derivatives provides a solid grounding in the necessary calculus.

Can I study derivatives for free on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning derivatives on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many derivatives courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in derivatives, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What derivatives courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

For training and upskilling employees in derivatives, courses like Credit Derivatives: Analyze, Price & Apply and Term-Structure and Credit Derivatives are particularly beneficial. These courses provide practical insights and skills that can enhance employees' understanding of derivatives and their application in real-world scenarios.

Best Derivatives Courses & Certificates [2026]

Q: What skills do I need to learn for derivatives?

To work effectively with derivatives , you should develop a solid foundation in financial concepts, quantitative analysis, and risk management . Key skills include proficiency in mathematics and statistics, an understanding of financial modeling , and familiarity with trading platforms. Additionally, knowledge of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics will enhance your ability to analyze and apply derivatives in various contexts.

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Derivatives

Derivatives Courses

Derivatives courses can help you learn pricing models, risk management techniques, and the valuation of financial instruments. You can build skills in analyzing market trends, constructing hedging strategies, and applying quantitative methods to assess risk. Many courses introduce tools like Excel for financial modeling and software for statistical analysis, that support executing trades and managing portfolios effectively.

Popular Derivatives Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
Interactive Brokers
Derivatives - Options & Futures
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Financial Trading, Financial Market, Risk Management, Market Analysis, Capital Markets, Portfolio Risk, Investments, Technical Analysis, Market Dynamics, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
268 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Columbia University
Financial Engineering and Risk Management
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Derivatives, Financial Market, Securities (Finance), Investment Management, Portfolio Risk, Asset Management, Credit Risk, Mortgage Loans, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Risk Modeling, Regression Analysis, Market Liquidity, Futures Exchange, Risk Management, Equities, Actuarial Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
408 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Financial Markets
Skills you'll gain: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Market, Financial Regulation, Financial Services, Finance, Business Risk Management, Securities (Finance), Financial Policy, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Capital Markets, Behavioral Economics, Banking, Corporate Finance, Governance, Investments, Insurance, Underwriting, Derivatives, Market Dynamics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
32K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Interactive Brokers
Practical Guide to Trading
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Equities, Risk Analysis, Financial Trading, International Finance, Investments, Securities Trading, Financial Market, Risk Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Market Analysis, Analysis, Capital Markets, Portfolio Risk, Tax, Balance Sheet, Financial Regulations, Business Metrics, Market Data
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
845 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Columbia University
Term-Structure and Credit Derivatives
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Mortgage Loans, Securities (Finance), Credit Risk, Financial Modeling, Risk Modeling, Financial Market, Mathematical Modeling, Securities Trading, Applied Mathematics, Investment Banking, Microsoft Excel, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Columbia University
Advanced Topics in Derivative Pricing
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Credit Risk, Financial Market, Portfolio Risk, Capital Markets, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Market Dynamics, Portfolio Management, Financial Modeling, Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Probability Distribution, Applied Mathematics, Computer Programming
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Loans, Lending and Underwriting, FinTech, Cyber Risk, Operational Risk, Scalability, Regulatory Compliance, Interoperability, Commercial Lending, Payment Systems, Risk Management, Financial Inclusion, Exploit development, Derivatives, Key Management, Cryptography, Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, Entrepreneurship
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Calculus through Data & Modeling: Limits & Derivatives
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Mathematical Software, Data Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Derivatives, Graphing, Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
209 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
EDUCBA
Equity Derivatives: Analyze, Apply & Evaluate Markets
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Futures Exchange, Financial Market, Equities, Financial Trading, Capital Markets, Investments, Securities Trading, Market Dynamics, Portfolio Risk, Risk Management, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Risk Analysis, Arbitration
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Hedge Funds Mastery: Strategies, Risk & Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Hedge Accounting, Derivatives, Private Equity, Portfolio Risk, Risk Modeling, Loans, Risk Management Framework, Regression Analysis, Accounting, Fund Accounting, Risk Analysis, Investment Management, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Equities, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Performance Measurement, Portfolio Management, Performance Analysis, Risk Management
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Multiple educators
Machine Learning for Trading
Skills you'll gain: Tensorflow, Keras (Neural Network Library), Machine Learning Methods, Model Evaluation, Machine Learning, Google Cloud Platform, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Financial Trading, Reinforcement Learning, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Supervised Learning, Data Pipelines, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Statistical Machine Learning, Technical Analysis, Deep Learning, Securities Trading, Portfolio Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Status: Preview
Caltech
Pricing Options with Mathematical Models
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Financial Market, Securities (Finance), Finance, Risk Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Financial Modeling, Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Probability, Advanced Mathematics, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Calculus
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

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Explore topics outside of work

Searches related to derivatives

derivatives - options & futures

derivatives: a guide to calculation

basic math: derivatives

calculus through data & modeling: limits & derivatives

equity derivatives: analyze, apply & evaluate markets

credit derivatives: analyze, price & apply

hedge accounting for derivatives: apply & evaluate

term-structure and credit derivatives

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular derivatives courses

Derivatives - Options & Futures: Interactive Brokers
Financial Engineering and Risk Management: Columbia University
Financial Markets: Yale University
Practical Guide to Trading: Interactive Brokers
Term-Structure and Credit Derivatives : Columbia University
Advanced Topics in Derivative Pricing: Columbia University
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance: Duke University
Calculus through Data & Modeling: Limits & Derivatives: Johns Hopkins University
Equity Derivatives: Analyze, Apply & Evaluate Markets: EDUCBA
Hedge Funds Mastery: Strategies, Risk & Accounting: EDUCBA

Skills you can learn in Finance

Investment (23)

Market (economics) (20)

Stock (18)

Financial Statement (14)

Financial Accounting (13)

Modeling (13)

Corporate Finance (11)

Financial Analysis (11)

Trading (11)

Evaluation (10)

Financial Markets (10)

Pricing (10)

Frequently Asked Questions about Derivatives

Careers in derivatives can be quite diverse, ranging from roles in investment banking, risk management, and trading to positions in financial analysis and consulting. Some specific job titles include derivatives trader, risk analyst, quantitative analyst, and financial engineer. These roles often require a strong understanding of financial markets and instruments, making knowledge of derivatives a valuable asset in the job market.‎

To work effectively with derivatives, you should develop a solid foundation in financial concepts, quantitative analysis, and risk management. Key skills include proficiency in mathematics and statistics, an understanding of financial modeling, and familiarity with trading platforms. Additionally, knowledge of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics will enhance your ability to analyze and apply derivatives in various contexts.‎

Yes. You can start learning derivatives on Coursera for free in two ways:

Preview the first module of many derivatives courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in derivatives, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn derivatives effectively, start by familiarizing yourself with basic financial concepts and mathematics. You can then explore online courses that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of derivatives. Engaging with interactive content, participating in discussions, and applying what you learn through exercises will reinforce your understanding and help you gain confidence in the subject.‎

Typical topics covered in derivatives courses include the types of derivatives (options, futures, swaps), pricing models, risk management strategies, and the role of derivatives in financial markets. Courses may also explore the mathematical foundations necessary for understanding derivatives, such as calculus and probability, as well as practical applications in trading and investment strategies.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.