02-27-2026
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at the Daniels School of Business is now affiliated with the CFA Institute through its University Affiliation Program, opening up credentialing, scholarship, and learning opportunities for students.
This affiliation recognizes that the MSF curriculum is closely aligned with the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, covering areas such as ethics, investment analysis, portfolio management, corporate finance, and quantitative methods. The affiliation provides both academic and practical value for students, says Fabrício d’Almeida, clinical assistant professor of finance and academic director of the MSF program.
“The CFA curriculum reflects globally recognized standards developed in close collaboration with industry practitioners,” d’Almeida says. “Aligning the MSF with this framework strengthens the connection between graduate education and the expectations students will face in professional finance roles.”
As careers in finance become more complex and globally integrated, professional credentials play an increasingly important role in signaling analytical rigor, ethical judgment, and long-term commitment to the field. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is regarded as one of the most rigorous professional credentials in finance. It is held by professionals working in asset management, wealth management, advisory, and institutional investment roles around the world. The CFA Program emphasizes investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical decision-making and requires candidates to pass a sequence of demanding exams and demonstrate relevant professional experience.
One important benefit of the affiliation is access to CFA Program scholarships. Through the University Affiliation Program, the MSF is able to nominate students for CFA Institute scholarships that significantly reduce the cost of registering for the CFA exams. For many students, this financial support lowers a key barrier to pursuing the CFA designation early in their careers.
For students, the affiliation strengthens the pathway between graduate education and long-term professional development. Many MSF students pursue careers where the CFA designation is highly valued, and integrating this body of knowledge into the curriculum allows them to build a strong foundation while engaging in applied coursework, experiential learning, and interaction with industry professionals.
The affiliation also reinforces the program’s emphasis on ethics and professional responsibility. Ethics is a central component of the CFA curriculum and a core element of the MSF experience, reflecting the importance of trust, fiduciary duty, and sound judgment in financial decision-making.
The CFA Institute affiliation represents one component of the MSF program’s broader effort to align graduate finance education with evolving industry standards. Under d’Almeida’s leadership, the MSF continues to emphasize applied learning, close engagement with alumni and employers, and ongoing curriculum development, positioning graduates for success in a competitive, global finance landscape.
This article was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and subsequently reviewed and approved by the Daniels School of Business marketing & communications team to ensure accuracy, clarity and alignment with institutional standards.
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