Columbia’s Option Strategy Program worth it? I’m a first year analyst on a trading desk.

Was curious if anyone had heard/completed the course and what their thoughts are on it. For reference, it costs $2600 and the modules are listed below. Might not be worth the time/money compared to studying for the GMAT or level 1 of CFA. I’m a first year analyst doing FX and Rates Risk and plan on pursuing a MFE in the coming years.

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.