Credit Analyst Academy

The Credit Analysis Academy is a 14-hour intermediate course that equips learners with the skills to evaluate bonds, analyze financial statements, interpret credit ratings, and calculate default probabilities. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and a capstone project, participants will gain practical expertise in fixed income analysis, credit risk assessment, and portfolio management strategies. Taught by finance professor and industry consultant Dr. Michael McDonald, whose work has supported firms like Microsoft, PIMCO, and Morgan Stanley, the course blends academic rigor with real-world application to prepare learners for roles in investment and corporate finance

• Explain key concepts in fixed income and credit risk
• Analyze financial statements to assess issuer creditworthiness
• Evaluate bond pricing, yields, and spreads
• Interpret credit ratings and risk assessments

• Basic familiarity with the topic and its common terminology
• Readiness to practice through applied exercises or case-based work