Advancing Applied Finance in San Diego
Housed within the Knauss School of Business, the Center for Applied Finance is a University of San Diego center of excellence that directly supports finance students by enriching classroom learning with applied, real-world experience and opportunities. The industries hiring finance graduates in San Diego are anything but generic. With that in mind, we foster relationships within local industries to give students exposure to San Diego's leading markets, alongside opportunities with established financial institutions.
Our Work, In Practice
Through the center's support, students gain live fund experience, industry-recognized certifications and mentorship from working practitioners, translating directly into stronger internship and career outcomes. In partnership with Knauss School faculty, we produce applied research on the trends shaping San Diego's markets. We then extend that same expertise to advance the fluency of life science founders, veterans and family stewards through signature symposium events — a service to our local community as part of the University of San Diego and Knauss School of Business’ broader civic mission to build a more prosperous region for all.
Our Mission
We prepare finance students for premier internships and careers by giving them direct experience in the industries that define San Diego's economy, establishing Knauss as the leading applied finance program in the region. In keeping with the University of San Diego’s civic mission, we advance the financial fluency of the founders, veterans, and family stewards this region depends on.
Advisory Board
Our Board of Advisors helps lead the strategic direction of the Center for Applied Finance and is composed of financial leaders and practitioners in the San Diego region. We are currently accepting new members. If you are interested in shaping the future of our center in service of students and our local finance community, inquire below.
Join the Board
Email Rob Raczkowski, Director of the Center for Applied Finance: rraczkowski@sandiego.edu