Financial Planning

In this focused academic concentration, you’ll explore topics related to investments, taxes, debt management, income planning, and retirement savings, as well as learn how to develop a holistic plan for achieving financial stability.

What You’ll Learn

By concentrating in financial planning, you will:

• Analyze financial statements and investment portfolios.
• Explore strategies for increasing income, reducing debt, and meeting individual financial goals.
• Deepen your understanding of global markets and economic conditions.
• Hone your investment skills by making use of the Girard School of Business’ Mucci Capital Markets Lab, which houses 20 Bloomberg terminals.

Hands-on Learning

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in a semester-long Financial Coaching course through the Financial Capability Center. It’s your chance to gain firsthand experience working with clients from the local community on setting and reaching financial goals.

Career Options

After completing the concentration in financial planning, you’ll be prepared for a career in finance or as an independent financial planner. Potential employers may include:

• Financial planning and advisory firms
• Securities and commodity brokerage firms
• Small entrepreneurial enterprises

What You’ll Take

All business administration majors must satisfy the college’s general education requirements and the following business requirements*:

BUS 1100	Introduction to Business
BUS 2203	Accounting for Business
BUS 2205	Principles of Marketing
BUS 2210	Management Information Systems
BUS 2213	Business Statistics
BUS 2215	Managerial Finance
BUS 2220	Operations Management
BUS 4402W	Strategic Analysis and Decision-Making

* ECO 1203 and MTH 1003 or MTH 1115 are prerequisite courses that must be completed by all business administration majors.

In addition to the core courses in business administration listed above, financial planning concentrates must also complete the following six courses:

Concentration Core (complete all four)

FIN 3315	Corporate Finance
FIN 3325	Investments
FIN 4435	Financial Planning
FIN 4436	Income Tax and Estate Planning

Concentration Electives (choose two)

FIN 3500 or FIN 3550	Fieldwork in Financial Coaching Financial and Health Coaching
FIN 4315	Financial Markets and Institutions
FIN 4406	International Financial Management
FIN 4443	Portfolio Analysis
FIN 4900	Special Topics in Finance
MKT 3316 or MKT 3355	Marketing of Services or Consumer Behavior