Applied Security Analysis

The Applied Security Analysis Program (ASAP) at the Wisconsin School of Business was founded in 1970 by Professor Stephen L. Hawk. Approximately 500 students have graduated from the program. Each graduate enters the investment community with the unique educational experience of learning the investment business through hands-on management of real portfolios. Beginning with $100,000 in 1970, students now manage over $50 million in equities and fixed-income assets. We are proud to be a pioneer among student-managed investment programs and CFA Program Partner.

THE WISCONSIN ADVANTAGE

The Applied Security Analysis Program (ASAP) has earned its reputation as a top student investment education program for a variety of reasons:

  • We combine general business education with hands-on money management using the latest tools
  • We are a CFA® Program Partner, meaning our students are preparing for the CFA as they study for classes
  • Our two-year, fully structured program provides constant interaction with industry professionals
  • We give students the ability to manage real money using their own philosophy and process
  • Our students have the opportunity to manage fixed income and long/short equity portfolios
  • Forty years of history have produced a great network of alumni to teach and help students obtain jobs
  • Our highly selective admission process ensures students will be surrounded by peers they can learn from
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CFA® Program Partner

CFA Program PartnerThe Applied Security Analysis program incorporates more than 70 percent of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Curriculum, the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, and adheres to other requirements. Moreover, it ensures that the curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA exams. Learn more>>

$50m Student-Managed Assets
During the second year of the Wisconsin MBA, Applied Security Analysis students manage various portfolios and operate the investment firm. They have research and administrative duties within the firm. Students are divided into teams, manage over $50 million, have no safety net, and report to clients. Learn more>>
Your Career
The Applied Security Analysis program has had a successful placement track record and many alumni are well-known for their success in the investment field. The alumni work in investment positions at at least 250 firms around the world, which comprises a network of business leaders with investment expertise rivaled by few. Learn more>>
Student Profiles
Shucheng ZhangMBA 2012
Born and grown up in Shanghai, China, Shuncheng graduated from Fudan Universityin June,  2005 with Bachelor Degree in Economics.Prior to study in Applied Security Analysis Program,  he had worked for over 4 years in The Bank of...Read More
Alumni Spotlight
Tyler RoweClass of 2011Junior Equity AnalystPetroleum and Resources Corporation