Personal Financial Planning, B.S.B.A.

Online and On-Campus w/Online Courses

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

120

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study Personal Financial Planning?

The Personal Financial Planning degree program prepares you for a meaningful career helping people make life-changing financial decisions. A financial planning degree provides the knowledge and skills needed to manage investments, plan for retirement, navigate tax and estate issues, and reduce financial anxiety for individuals and families. At Park University, our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Personal Financial Planning program provides a strong foundation in business administration along with specialized training that could lead to the gold-standard Certified Financial Planner® designation.

What You’ll Learn

  • In the personal financial planning program at Park, you’ll follow a curriculum registered with the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board, ensuring your education aligns with industry standards and prepares you for professional certification.
  • You’ll study the core areas of financial planning, including investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, tax law, insurance and risk management, ethics, and the financial planning process. These topics provide a comprehensive understanding of how to guide individuals and families toward financial security.
  • The program is designed to build your skills progressively, with each course preparing you for the next. Your learning culminates in a capstone experience, where you’ll design a complete financial plan using real-world scenarios and both primary and secondary data sources.
  • You’ll learn from faculty who are active financial planners and credentialed educators, bringing practical insights and professional expertise into the classroom.
  • With a strong foundation in financial theory, applied practice, and ethical standards, you’ll be well-prepared to sit for the CFP exam with confidence and pursue a career in personal financial advising, wealth management, or financial consulting.

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Dr. Lacey Finley


Assistant Professor of Management
lfinley@park.edu

Adrian James

Dr. Adrian James


Interim Dean, College of Management
Associate Professor of Management
adrian.james@park.edu

Robert Kao

Dr. Robert Kao


Associate Professor of Finance
rkao@park.edu

AJ Lutz

A.J. Lutz, III


Assistant Teaching Professor
alutz@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

Explore Tuition

Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

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Personal Financial Planning Career & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this degree program are well-prepared for the CFP Exam and careers in financial advising and planning. Possible roles include:

Financial Planner

A financial planner builds long-term relationships with clients, guiding them through milestones such as buying homes, funding education, and planning for retirement. They develop personalized financial strategies to help individuals and families meet their goals.

Personal Financial Advisor

A personal financial advisor provides tailored advice in areas like investments, insurance, tax strategies, and retirement planning. They analyze client needs and recommend financial products or services that align with their objectives.

Portfolio Manager

Manage large-scale mutual funds by constructing and overseeing investment portfolios aligned with client financial goals. Apply advanced financial planning strategies to assess risk, monitor performance, and rebalance holdings, ensuring long-term growth and compliance with fiduciary standards.

Estate Planner

An estate planner helps families manage wealth transfer, trusts, and wills while minimizing tax burdens. They provide strategies for preserving assets and ensuring financial security across generations.

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal financial advisor jobs are projected to grow faster than average in the coming decade. Park graduates have gone on to work with firms such as Creative Financial, Schwab, and Fidelity.

*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: Personal Financial Planning

Graduates are prepared to pursue the CFP certification and become financial planners or advisors. Career paths also include estate planning, risk management, portfolio management, and roles in banking, investment, and insurance.

Courses are sequenced to build your knowledge step by step, covering every area required by the CFP Board. The program ends with a capstone project where you prepare a detailed financial plan, applying everything from tax law to investment management.

Yes. Park offers the financial planning degree online as well as on campus, giving you the flexibility to complete your bachelor’s degree wherever you are. Online courses mirror the on-campus curriculum, ensuring you gain expertise in retirement planning, estate planning, risk management, and financial analysis while balancing work and life commitments.

Most of our program faculty members are Certified Financial Planners who bring current industry experience into the classroom. With small classes, individualized mentoring, and a curriculum aligned with CFP requirements, Park ensures you graduate ready for both the exam and the workforce.

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Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.