Admission

If the world of finance and numbers fascinate you, then consider applying to the Keeley Center Academy. Admission to the academy will put you on the fastrack to a competitive and exciting career in finance.

How to Apply

To learn more, we encourage you to attend an information session hosted by the Department of Finance & Real Estate or to email Martin Essenburg, executive director of the John L. Keeley Jr. Center for Financial Services:

Details for upcoming info sessions will be posted during the spring quarter through email blasts and announcements from your professors in D2L.

FAQs

When does the academy start?

Each new cohort starts in January at the beginning of the Winter Quarter.

How long does the Keeley Academy last?

The Keeley Academy is an 18-month co-curricular program beginning in the Winter Quarter and ending in the following Winter Quarter

How often does the academy meet?

Most of the Academy activities will take place on Thursday evenings between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the DePaul Center; certain Academy activities may be held at alternative times and will be communicated in advance. All Academy students need to ensure that they are available on Thursday evenings to attend in-person.

Who can apply?

Rising sophomores and juniors who are declared finance majors can apply to the Keeley Academy.

The Academy experience has been designed to complement and supplement elective intermediate level Finance and Accounting courses. Admitted Academy students will complete a Finance major by taking required major courses and the expected/recommended courses that align with applicable career focus.

What are the academic requirements?

In order to apply, students must have completed or are currently enrolled in ACC 304/307, FIN 250/396, FIN 310.

Students are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in both their Finance courses and in their DePaul cumulative GPA throughout the duration of the Academy. Additionally, if a student receives a D or F in any DePaul Finance course, he/she will be asked to leave the Academy.

How can I apply?

The recruiting and application process for each new cohort begins in the autumn quarter. We encourage you to attend an information session hosted by the Department of Finance & Real Estate or to email Martin Essenburg, executive director of the John L. Keeley Jr. Center for Financial Services. Details for upcoming info sessions will be posted during the spring quarter through email blasts and announcements from your professors in D2L.

The second step of the application process will require you to submit a written application, which will be reviewed by the Keeley Center Academy Admissions Committee.

Your application may be admitted or rejected based on the strength or weakness of your application. If the Academy Admissions Committee decides that you would benefit from an interview, then the third step is for you to be invited for an interview.

Finally, the fourth step is for the Academy Admissions Committee to make admission decisions.

When are application decisions communicated to students?

Decisions will be communicated by mid-June.

"As a student, connections with alumni and industry supporters of the Keeley Center Academy helped me find and start my career in Investment Banking. As an alumna, attending events and meeting with students allows me to share the same support I was given. The finance industry is based on relationships and the network the Academy builds extends far beyond the undergraduate program."