Options Strategy (Online)

Learn the most advanced derivative tool for mitigating risk and increasing returns

Download Brochure

Get Your Brochure

Course Dates

STARTS ON

April 25, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4-6 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

For Your Team

Enroll your team and learn with your peers

Learn More

Early Registration Benefit

Apply now to secure your place at US$2,496 by . Connect with a learning advisor for more information.

Expand Your Options as a Sophisticated Investor

Options trading has experienced a substantial increase in popularity, with the number of trades surging by 35 percent in 2021 compared to previous years. In the United States alone, brokerages received US$2.4 billion in payment for order flow (PFOF) for options and only US$1.3 billion for equities. Despite this rapid growth, there exists a considerable gap in knowledge and understanding of the potential to use these instruments for responsible risk mitigation and profit maximization.

Designed by expert finance faculty at Columbia Business School Executive Education, the Options Strategy program gives investors and finance professionals a deep understanding of options, including how to incorporate financial instruments in an overall investment strategy.

39 Million

In 2021, a record 39 million options contracts traded daily, an increase of 35 percent over 2020.

(Source: Options Clearing Corporation )

Key Takeaways

After participating in this program, you will be able to:

  • Develop options vocabulary and interpret option payoffs
  • Unlock options trading strategies and their uses
  • Identify and apply the determinants of option value
  • Extract investment-relevant information from options
  • Gain insights to strategically use options as part of a well-designed portfolio

Program Modules

Module 1:

Introduction to Options

Following a high-level overview of derivatives in general, you will explore how and why investors trade options.

Module 2:

Understanding Call Options

Delve deep into the mechanics and contract features of options, and examine the inherent leverage these products offer.

Module 3:

Portfolios with Options and Portfolios of Options

Understand how put options insure against market crashes, illustrated by an examination of how puts functioned during the 2008 financial crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Module 4:

Understanding Options Valuation

Develop a deep understanding of how to determine the value of options using the Black-Scholes model, as well as a simplified version known as the binomial model.

Module 5:

Volatility and the VIX Index

Armed with valuation tools, you will embark on a detailed study of volatility — the main determinant of option prices. This module explores how a range of different options are priced in the real-world market, including index options, options on individual stocks, and options on bonds and crude oil.

Module 6:

Options in the Real World

Through the lens of historical data and events, you will benefit from our faculty’s deep research and direct experience with market-defining events, giving you a front row seat to theory meeting practice.

Module 1:

Introduction to Options

Following a high-level overview of derivatives in general, you will explore how and why investors trade options.

Module 4:

Understanding Options Valuation

Develop a deep understanding of how to determine the value of options using the Black-Scholes model, as well as a simplified version known as the binomial model.

Module 2:

Understanding Call Options

Delve deep into the mechanics and contract features of options, and examine the inherent leverage these products offer.

Module 5:

Volatility and the VIX Index

Armed with valuation tools, you will embark on a detailed study of volatility — the main determinant of option prices. This module explores how a range of different options are priced in the real-world market, including index options, options on individual stocks, and options on bonds and crude oil.

Module 3:

Portfolios with Options and Portfolios of Options

Understand how put options insure against market crashes, illustrated by an examination of how puts functioned during the 2008 financial crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Module 6:

Options in the Real World

Through the lens of historical data and events, you will benefit from our faculty’s deep research and direct experience with market-defining events, giving you a front row seat to theory meeting practice.

For full details of the curriculum, please download the brochure.

Who Should Attend?

Mid- to senior-level institutional investors seeking to deepen their understanding of options and overall learn how to incorporate this knowledge into their portfolio strategies.

Financial professionals who are changing roles or seeking to expand their skillset to include more advanced investment strategies.

Individual investors seeking to manage risk, improve returns, and make more informed decisions for their personal portfolios.

Note: Basic knowledge of financial markets, financial terminology, and Microsoft Excel are recommended to obtain maximum benefits.

Featured Micro Case Studies

Tesla

Tesla

Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Option Contracts and Their Valuation

Option Contracts and Their Valuation

Optionsellers.Net

Program Experience

World-Renowned Faculty

Learn from accomplished faculty, and industry experts whose diverse backgrounds encompass a broad range of disciplines

Peer Interaction

Stimulating discussions with like-minded global peers expand your professional network and build a supportive community

Engaging Assignments and Activities

Hone business acumen and executive skills with try-it activities that help you redefine your potential

Download Brochure

Program Faculty

Faculty Member Michael Johannes

Michael Johannes

Ann F. Kaplan Professor of Finance, Columbia Business School

Michael Johannes is the Anne Kaplan Professor of Finance at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He has been at Columbia since receiving his Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Chicago in 2000. He has held visiting appointments at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business... More info

CERTIFICATE

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

CERTIFICATE

Upon completion of the Options Strategy (Online) program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards two credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn More

Download Brochure

Your digitally verified certificate will be issued in your legal name and emailed to you, at no additional cost, upon completion of the program, including all modules of the program (online, in person, or live online, inter-module). All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 315 387 4431 (US) / +44 203 838 0836 (UK) / +65 3138 4449 (SG)

Apply Now

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!

Flexible payment options available. Learn more.