Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

U. of I. recognized as CFA Program Partner institution

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Master of Science in Finance Program has been named a CFA Program Partner, joining 54 other degree programs worldwide that meet the prestigious financial institute’s professional and ethical standards.

The designation signals that the 50-year-old degree program on the Urbana campus is closely tied to professional practice and well-suited to prepare graduates for careers in the investment industry, said Bob Johnson, deputy CEO of CFA Institute.

“Students in this program are exposed to concepts and principles that have been identified by investment experts as essential to the global practice,” said Johnson, whose organization has more than 94,000 members in 133 countries.

Degree programs recognized as program partners cover at least 70 percent of the standards for investment professionals set down by CFA Institute, which officials say also prepares graduates for three levels of testing required to earn the sought-after Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Fewer than one in five students who enroll in the testing program earn the CFA charter. Officials predict higher success rates for students who train at partner universities, with less time and effort.

“The CFA charter is highly valued not only due to its relevancy to the investment profession, but also due to the fact that the program of study upholds candidates and charter holders to the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct,” said George Pinteris, academic adviser for the U. of I. Master of Science in Finance Program.

Established in 1958, the university’s degree program is among the longest running of its kind in the world, offering a curriculum that can be completed after 12 months of full-time study.

“We are honored to be part of the CFA Partner Program,” said David Ikenberry, chair of the finance department in the U. of I. College of Business. “The CFA designation is widely regarded as the most rigorous of professional finance qualifications, and is recognized globally as the pre-eminent professional program for those working in the investment industry.”

Editor’s note: For more information, call Lorena Nicholas of the U. of I Master of Science in Finance Program at 217-244-6550; e-mail lorenan@illinois.edu. Or call Jessica Galehouse, of CFA Institute-North America at 434-951-5376; e-mail jessica.galehouse@cfainstitute.org.

Read Next

Life sciences Portrait of the research team posing together.

Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have translated nanoscale experimental and computational data into precise 3D representations of bacteria, yeast and human epithelial, breast and breast cancer cells in Minecraft, a video game that allows players to explore, build and manipulate structures in three dimensions. The innovation will allow researchers and students of all ages to navigate […]

Arts Photo of seven dancers onstage wearing blue tops and orange or yellow flowing skirts. The backdrop is a Persian design.

February Dance includes works experimenting with live music, technology and a ‘sneaker ballet’

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The dance department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will present February Dance 2025: Fast Forward this week at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. February Dance will be one of the first performances in the newly renovated Colwell Playhouse Theatre since its reopening. The performances are Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Dance professor […]

Honors portraits of four Illinois researchers

Four Illinois researchers receive Presidential Early Career Award

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Four researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers. The winners this year are health and kinesiology professor Marni Boppart, physics professor Barry Bradlyn, chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Ying […]

Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

507 E. Green St
MC-426
Champaign, IL 61820

Email: stratcom@illinois.edu

Phone (217) 333-5010