Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Major program achieves prestigious CFA Institute affiliation
Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Major program has been recognized internationally for delivering excellence in teaching and learning and developing qualified investment professionals.
Program curriculum meets the criteria of the , which sets rigorous standards for ethics-based investment education. The is a global leader in investment professional development.
“This is a significant recognition for our finance program,” said Richard Dixon, interim dean of the Faculty of Business. “It confirms that our courses meet international standards in finance education and demonstrates our commitment to preparing students for successful careers, including the prestigious chief financial analyst (CFA) designation.”
Affiliation an ‘exciting step forward’
Dr. Jocelyn Grira, an associate professor and chair of the finance and economics department at AU, oversaw the affiliation process, which took almost a year to complete. He said gaining CFA Institute affiliation means that students can be assured that a finance education at ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓis not only of the highest quality, but it also equips them with industry-relevant skills and prepares them for the three levels of exams needed for CFA designation.
In addition to academic alignment, the partnership offers other benefits for ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓstudents, including access to student scholarships to cover costs of CFA exams. Students and faculty will also gain access to exclusive CFA Institute resources, including databases, learning materials, and a global professional network.
“This affiliation helps prospective students see the clear link between our program and a globally respected professional pathway,” Grira said. “It’s an exciting step forward for Athabasca University and our finance students.”
ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓsets high standards for quality
AU’s relationship with the CFA Institute, as one of 43 affiliated programs in Canada, is just the latest international recognition of the quality of business programming.
In 2022, the Faculty of Business also achieved prestigious accreditation through AACSB International. Only 6% of the world’s business schools have achieved AACSB accreditation—considered the gold standard for accreditation. Very few of these schools specialized in online delivery such as AU’s Faculty of Business.
Learn more about AU’s Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Major program
A university Like No Other
Athabasca University is a university like no other, uniquely focused on the core priorities of access, community, and opportunity.