Knauss School of Business

Center for Applied Finance

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Center for Applied Finance

Master Classes

Expand Your Financial Fluency

The Center for Applied Finance offers three master classes to expand your financial fluency as a life science founder, family trustee, business owner, or service member transitioning out of the military. Classes run for four weeks and are taught by professors at the University of San Diego (including the Knauss School of Business), investors, attorneys, and other financial experts. Each week includes two sessions: an asynchronous online module to complete at your own pace and an in-person workshop held on campus at the University of San Diego.

4 Weeks

Program Length

4 Sessions

In Person

4 Modules

Online Self Study

15 Attendees

Average Cohort

Starting January 2026

Life Science Capital Master Class

Financial & Legal Fluency for Life Science Founders

This four-week intensive master class navigates the real constraints of a life science founder in the early stages of financing, including seed and Series A. Modules and workshops are taught by Knauss School of Business faculty, attorneys, and investors. In-person workshops will be two and a half hours long and take place on Fridays.

Hybrid Format

Modules and Workshops

Online Module

(Asynchronous)

 Intro to the San Diego ecosystem and life science investment landscape — who funds what, at what stage, and why. Overview of risk assessment areas including scientific, regulatory, IP and market.
In-Person Workshop

(Jan. 29)

 Investment Readiness Assessment taught by Jeremy Caldwell, guest investor.

Every Founder Leaves With:

  • Investment Readiness Assessment
    • One-page risk map across scientific, regulatory, IP, and market dimensions with a target list of 5 to 7 investors matched to your stage and thesis
  • Target Investor List
    • San Diego-based VCs, angels and corporate investors mapped to your therapeutic area, modality and current stage
Enroll in Life Science Capital Master Class

Spring 2027

Family Wealth Stewardship Master Class

Managing Family Wealth for the Future

How do you make the best financial decisions to manage your wealth and assets, protect your family and company, and securely pass it on to the next generation? That’s what you’ll learn in this four-week master class for life science entrepreneurs, founders, and families navigating succession.

You Will Learn:

  • Best practices in family office governance and structure
  • Bespoke portfolio management and investment policy
  • U.S./Mexico cross-border transactions and tax implications
  • Multi-generational financial fluency and next-gen education
  • Trust structures for concentrated stock and illiquid assets
  • Liquidity event planning for life science and tech founders

Fall 2027

Military Family Finance Master Class

Financial Planning for Transitioning Military

For military service members, transitioning into civilian life is a major life change — and that’s before you consider the financial implications. This four-week class for service members (and their spouses) separating within 12 months helps you establish a family financial plan, complementing your FINRED counseling and ensuring a smooth transition. You’ll also learn essential financial and investment practices that will continue to serve you long after you’ve transitioned.

You Will Learn:

  • Week 1: Transition Cash Flow and the Income Bridge
  • Week 2: Capturing Benefits and Entitlements
  • Week 3: The Household Income Problem - Careers and Skill Transition
  • Week 4: Defending and Building the Family Balance Sheet