Resources for Students

Baltimore CFA Society Student Membership

The CFA Charter is the gold standard for investment professionals. Student membership is open to any full-time (enrolled in 12+ units) college student. Becoming a member does NOT include membership to CFA Institute. Baltimore CFA Society Student Membership includes 50 percent off membership dues, discounted event rates and attendance at members-only events.

Certifications

Our finance concentration for the business administration major has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program and our financial planning track is a CFP Board Registered Program. Students who complete these degrees are prepared and qualified to pursue highly valuable certifications. However, earning your degree is just the first step in many cases. We encourage you to explore the requirements and steps for certifications early to best prepare yourself. 

Financial Analyst Certification

The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) credential is the global mark of expertise for investment professionals. In order to earn this designation, individuals must join the CFA Program, pass a series of exams, have four years of qualified work experience, and become a CFA Institute member.

Because becoming a charterholder takes years, students who are interested in seeking this highly valuable designation are encouraged to begin preparing early.

Resources

CFP® Certification 

CFP® certification is the most desired and distinguished designation in the growing field of financial planning and signifies to recruiters, employers and clients that you are uniquely qualified to help individuals solve financial problems and make plans to achieve their goals.

In order to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, students must meet certain requirements and take an exam. By completing the business administration degree with a track in financial planning, students meet the education requirement.

CFP® Certification Resources

FIN 495, 496 and 497

If you wish to take Independent Research in Finance (FIN 495), Practicum in Corporate Finance (FIN 496) or Internship in Finance (FIN 497), you will need to fill out the appropriate forms and have them approved prior to registering for these courses.

Instructions and Form for FIN 495 or 496 (PDF)
Instructions and Form for FIN 497 – Internship (PDF)

Finance Information Resources

The Cook Library Resource & Subject Guide provides a wealth of resources for finance students conducting research and compiling reports.

T. Rowe Price Finance Lab

The T. Rowe Price Finance Lab is a state-of-the-art financial trading room that allows students to obtain real-world experience and knowledge that will help to market themselves in the future. The lab houses top-of-the-line equipment and software to allow students to invest in real time.

Tutoring

The Tutoring & Learning Center offers small group sessions for select finance courses.

Scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by the university and college, the department offers scholarships specifically for majors within the finance department including Baltimore CFA Society Scholarships and the Kathryn Gerling Scholarship.