App State’s finance and banking bachelor’s degree program, offered through the Walker College of Business, has earned Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute affiliation, affirming the program’s alignment with the CFA Program curriculum, which prepares students to earn CFA certification — a globally recognized credential in investment management. The distinction boosts students’ access to top job opportunities in finance, as well as internships, scholarships and a global network of investment professionals. Walker College students are pictured taking part in a class. Photo by Chase Reynolds
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in finance and banking has been recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute — a global association of investment professionals — as a CFA affiliated program. The affiliation verifies that App State’s program curriculum aligns closely with that of the CFA Program, which prepares students to earn CFA certification, a globally recognized credential in investment management.
“CFA Institute affiliation is a signal to students and employers alike that our program prepares App State graduates for successful finance careers,” said Dr. Sandra Vannoy, dean of the Walker College of Business, which houses the degree program. “This new affiliation will open doors for our students to internships, jobs and professional networks.”
App State’s BSBA in finance and banking is among 287 U.S. programs recognized in the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program. Students enrolled in CFA-affiliated programs have access to CFA Institute scholarships that can help reduce CFA exam costs, as well as CFA Institute resources, programs, events and more. To maintain its affiliation, the university must complete an annual review process.
Peter Watkins, senior director of university programs at the CFA Institute, praised the academic rigor of App State’s finance and banking program, noting its strong foundation in quantitative methods, corporate finance and financial analysis.
“App State’s BSBA in finance and banking program will greatly benefit students planning finance and investment careers,” said Watkins.
App State’s Broyhill Fellows team, composed of five finance and banking students, placed among the top six teams competing in the 2024–25 Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge — the world’s largest equity research competition. More than 7,000 students representing 1,153 universities worldwide took part in the event. Pictured, from left to right, are Brenden Wortman ’25, Jack Parquette ’25, Keira Andrews ’25, Carson Beane ’25 and Davis Pharr ’25. Photo by Dr. Brandy Hadley
The institute also recognized App State’s outstanding performance in the 2024–25 CFA Institute Research Challenge, highlighting the university’s commitment to preparing students for careers in finance and investment. App State’s Broyhill Fellows team placed among the top six teams in the global competition — out of more than 7,000 students representing 1,153 universities worldwide.
“We are thrilled to join this prestigious, global network of universities recognized for excellence in finance education,” said Dr. Brandy Hadley ’09 ’11, the David A. Thompson Distinguished Scholar of Applied Investments in App State’s Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance. Hadley, who is the first App State faculty member to hold CFA designation, serves as faculty advisor to App State’s CFA Institute Research Challenge teams.
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About the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance
The Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance develops leaders for business, government and education by offering a Bachelor of Science in business administration in two specializations: finance and banking, and risk management and insurance. Learn more at https://finance.appstate.edu.
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
