Huntsman School Recognized by the CFA Institute
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business is one of just 20 schools in the United States to be recognized by the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute for the work it is doing to prepare students to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst© designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world.
The CFA Institute is a global association of investment professionals. Entry into its University Recognition Program signals to potential students, employers and the marketplace that the Huntsman School’s bachelor’s of science in finance degree curriculum is closely tied to professional practice. It shows the school is well-suited to prepare students to sit for the rigorous CFA examinations, according to Paul Fjeldsted, a senior lecturer in the Finance and Economics Department. Students in the program will gain access to CFA Institute textbooks, journals, webcasts and other educational resources, he said.
Stephen Horan is the head of University Relations & Private Wealth for the CFA Institute. He said students in these programs study what the institute calls the “Candidate Body of Knowledge,” which is a curriculum designed to help students obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities that investment experts worldwide have identified as essential best practice.
By mastering the fundamentals of the CFA Program, as well as what the organization calls its “Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice,” these “future investment professionals join us in our mission to promote the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society,” Horan said.
To be accepted into the program, the Huntsman School’s finance degree curriculum was required to incorporate at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge components and to emphasize the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Because of this recognition, students pursuing finance degrees are eligible to apply for scholarships, which cover a substantial portion of examination costs.
“This recognition would not be possible without the hard work that our dedicated faculty has put into building this program,” said Tyler Bowles, the Economics and Finance Department head. “We continually strive to improve the program and aim for academic excellence and rigor.”
There are 26 faculty members in the Economics and Finance Department. Among them, three are CFA charterholders: Drew Dahl, Sheila Lai and Paul Fjeldsted. A CFA charterholder has passed all three levels of the CFA examinations and completed the required years of work experience.
Students who are interested in the scholarships are welcomed to fill out an application form in the Economics and Finance Department. Since the scholarships will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, students are advised to register for the examination and apply for the scholarships as soon as they can, Mr. Fjeldsted said.
Related Links
Economics and Finance Department
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Writer: Nadiah Johari, nadiah.johari@aggiemail.usu.edu
Contact: Steve Eaton, 435-797-8640, steve.eaton@usu.edu
The CFA University Recognition Program helps students prepare for CFA exams, according to Paul Fjeldsted, senior lecturer in the Finance and Economics Department.
TOPICS
Business 155stories Rankings 66stories Finance 55stories Economy 48stories Entrepreneurship 44storiesComments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
