Financial Planning Concentration

Interested in helping individuals make confident financial decisions? The financial planning concentration offers a direct pathway into one of the fastest‑growing and most trusted advisory careers.

This track is designed for students who want to guide clients through insurance, investments, taxes, retirement and estate planning. It prepares you to pursue the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) designation – the premier credential in personal financial planning. 

You may apply for the financial planning concentration after completing the required prerequisite coursework. Admission to the concentration places you on a defined path toward CFP‑aligned training and advanced finance classes.

Why pursue a financial planning concentration?

Stand out with a globally recognized planning credential.

  • CFP board‑registered program. BGSU’s financial planning concentration is officially registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Students who complete the required coursework meet the CFP Board’s education requirements and become eligible to sit for the CFP certification exam.  
  • A curriculum built for real‑world advisory work. Students develop the technical skills needed for careers in financial advising, wealth management and related fields. 
  • A direct path to CFP certification. Pass the CFP exam and meet the CFP Board’s experience and ethics requirements to earn the CFP designation – a respected credential that signals expertise and professionalism in personal financial planning

Program requirements

The financial planning concentration requires eight courses (24 credit hours) beyond the general BSBA degree requirements:

  • FIN 3400 – Financial Markets
  • FIN 3500 – Corporate Finance
  • FIN 4350 – Investment Analysis
  • FIN 4130 – Personal Financial Planning
  • FIN 4140 – Retirement & Employee Benefit Planning
  • FIN 4210 – Risk Management & Insurance Planning
  • ACCT 3410 – Individual Income Taxation
  • ACCT 4440 v Estate Planning
  • Students earn a BSBA with a finance specialization by completing the 8 required courses and:
    • Any four of the five elective courses (FIN 4130, FIN 4140, FIN 4210, ACCT 3410, ACCT 4440),
    • FIN 3400, FIN 3500 and FIN 4350
      Note: This path does not meet the CFP Board’s educational requirement to sit for the CFP exam.
  • All 4000‑level finance and accounting courses require a grade of C or better in prerequisite courses.

Updated: 03/04/2026 03:16PM