Personal Financial Planning
Major
Program Overview
Some of life's biggest milestones involve money. Personal financial planners help people plan to start a family, pay for college and retire. By the time you graduate, you'll get the expertise you need to obtain state and federal licenses and a number of industry certifications including the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Money is at the core of many of the decisions that shape our lives. Buying a home, sending a child to college and saving enough to retire are major events. Personal financial planners empower clients to achieve these milestones.
At Central Michigan University, you'll learn how to weigh risk and opportunity as you help others reach their financial goals. Our program will prepare you to take state and federal insurance and securities exams as well as over ten industry certification exams. For example, CMU's program is Board Certified enabling you to sit for the Certified Financial Planning Exam after graduation. Our program, registered with the Board of Certified Financial Planners ™, follows CFP® Board guidelines. You'll take classes in taxation, investments, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning.
You'll also find that personal financial planning is just that—personal. Every client is different, and class exercises will help you adapt to a range of needs. You'll also become familiar with the ethics and regulations that shape professional conduct. By the time you graduate, you will be prepared to sit for state and federal insurance and securities exams as well as over ten industry certifications including Certified Financial Planning Exam.
Program Highlights
As a personal financial planning major, you will:
- Become prepared to enter one of the fastest growing business fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7.0 percent employment growth for financial advisors between 2018 and 2028.
- Compete in the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC®)'s National Financial Plan Competition.
- Network with industry professionals through the CMU Future Financial Advisors Association and invitations to CMU students from NAIFA, FPA, and other professional organizations.
- Engage in biweekly alumni mentoring sessions.
- Prepare for law school or complement your studies in accounting, actuarial science, sales, or other related fields.
Careers & Outcomes
CMU graduates are poised to take careers in financial planning and consulting, management and other fields.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Consultant | $94,170 |
| Securities/Commodities Trader | $62,910 |
| Investment/Portfolio Analyst | $91,580 |
| Director of Risk Management | $105,302 |
Request Information about CMU
By submitting this form, I agree to receive calls, emails and/or text messages from Central Michigan University to discuss furthering my education.