The ESG Impact: Investor Perspective course, offered by the University of Pennsylvania through Coursera, is a comprehensive online program designed to equip learners with the skills to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. Part of the ESG Investing: Financial Decisions in Flux Specialization, this four-week MOOC focuses on how investors can drive positive social and environmental impact while achieving financial returns. Accessible to global learners with basic financial knowledge, it is ideal for investors, financial professionals, and students, requiring approximately 10 hours of study.

Core Content

The curriculum explores the role of ESG factors in investment strategies, covering topics such as impact investing, ESG performance metrics, and portfolio alignment with sustainability goals. It examines how investors assess ESG risks and opportunities, use data to evaluate corporate performance, and engage with companies to drive change. Learners analyze real-world case studies from sectors like renewable energy and healthcare, highlighting how ESG integration enhances investment outcomes. The course also addresses frameworks like the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the impact of ESG on financial markets.

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to evaluate ESG risks and opportunities, integrate ESG factors into investment portfolios, and measure the impact of sustainable investments. The course equips learners to use ESG data for decision-making, engage with stakeholders, and align investments with social and environmental goals. Through practical assignments, participants gain experience in crafting ESG-focused investment strategies, enabling them to drive financial and sustainability outcomes in their portfolios or organizations.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for investors, financial analysts, asset managers, sustainability professionals, and students interested in ESG and impact investing. It is particularly suited for those in roles related to investment management, corporate finance, or ESG consulting, seeking to align financial decisions with sustainability objectives. Its design, requiring basic financial knowledge, makes it accessible to a global audience committed to responsible investing.

Learning Format

Hosted on Coursera’s platform, the course spans approximately 4 weeks, requiring 2–3 hours of study per week. It features engaging video lectures, readings, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, supported by expert instructors from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The self-paced format ensures flexibility, with case studies and assignments fostering practical application. Learners can audit for free or opt for a paid certificate experience (typically USD $49–$79), earning a shareable certificate of completion to enhance professional credentials.

Additional Benefits

The course delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply ESG principles to real-world investment challenges, such as building sustainable portfolios or assessing corporate impact. Backed by Wharton’s expertise in finance and sustainability, it provides credible, industry-relevant content within a broader ESG Investing Specialization. Learners join a community of over 87 million Coursera users, gaining insights from global case studies and best practices. The certificate enhances career prospects in sustainable finance, investment management, and ESG consulting, equipping graduates to lead impactful, responsible investment strategies.

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