Financial Planning

Are you a people person who also enjoys working with numbers? Would you like to do sophisticated analysis to make investment recommendations or create comprehensive financial plans? Do you thrive at offering guidance or aspire to help consumers better plan for their financial future? If so, the Financial Planning major may be a great fit for you.

The Financial Planning major teaches students to utilize financial strategies and products to help individuals and families make prudent financial decisions. Students learn to carry a high-level view of their clients’ financial situations and take the steps necessary to meet objectives. Students can network on campus with business professionals, join the Financial Planning Club, and participate in numerous experiential learning opportunities.

 

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Program Overview

Areas of Study

All undergraduate LSBE students are required to take business and economics core courses and concentration courses related to their major.

Core Courses

  • Finance & Accounting
  • Business Law
  • Economics
  • Information Technology
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Psychology
  • Writing & Communications
  • Mathematics 

Major Courses

  • Management
  • Taxation
  • Corporate Finance
  • Estate Planning
  • Investments
  • Retirement Planning
  • Risk Management
  • Financial Plan Design

See Catalog Page for full course list & descriptions >

Sample Plan

The sample plan linked below is one of several possible ways to complete this degree. Resources are available to customize a plan for your specific career and academic goals.

Financial Planning Sample Plan >

Financial Planning Assessment Plan >

Acquired Skills
  • Utilize new technologies to study and analyze investments, risks, retirement, insurance, and estate planning. 
  • Apply the knowledge of insurance policies and risk management strategies to develop financial plans for clients.
Career Opportunities

As the population ages and life expectancies increase, the demand for personal financial advisors is expected to grow.

Financial Planning graduates find exciting career opportunities in positions such as:

  • Registered Investment Advisors
  • Retirement & Estate Planners
  • Personal Financial Advisors
CFP® Designation

The CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, designation is the most distinguished certification which a Financial Planner can achieve. The CFP Board administers the certification process which identifies to the public that those who have obtained the CFP® certification marks have met the demanding professional standards.

To become certified, applicants are required to meet the following initial certification requirements:

  • Education
  • Examination
  • Experience
  • Ethics

For more information on these four components (known as the four "E's") refer to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. web page.

Program Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate accurate, senior-level knowledge of tax planning, retirement planning, risk management, investment planning, and estate planning.
  • Apply financial planning concepts and theories in the development, construction, and presentation of a comprehensive financial plan.