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Financial Planning Online Degree Concentration Within the BS in Finance Program
You're viewing a Program Concentration
Total courses 5 (of 40)
Term length 8 weeks
Concentration Overview Why focus on financial planning?
As part of your BS in Finance program, a concentration adds focus to your degree in a particular area of study. So, if guiding people toward their personal financial goals is your passion, choosing to focus on financial planning is a great way to meet the educational requirement for CFP® certification — one of the highest standards of excellence in the field.
The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning from Southern New Hampshire University is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. The knowledge you’ll develop in this concentration prepares you to become a client-focused, professional financial planner.
Skills you'll learn:
- Financial plan development
- Forecasting
- Tax preparation
- Compliant ethical and legal strategies
- Risk management
- Estate planning
Courses & Curriculum Career-focused financial planning courses
In your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning program, you'll get a finance education grounded in core business practices, emphasizing communication, entrepreneurial thinking and social responsibility. In your concentration courses, you'll learn to apply these theories to real-world contexts so you can help individuals and families create, manage and transfer wealth efficiently.
Your 5-course financial planning concentration explained
The entire BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning program consists of 40 courses (120 credits). This includes general education courses (42 credits), business core courses (30 credits), major courses (21 credits), free elective courses (12 credits) and concentration courses (15 credits). This means you'll take 5 specific courses related to financial planning.
Courses may include:
Federal Taxation I
Course ID:
ACC 330
In this course, students will learn about current US tax laws and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as well as the relevant source documents, associated with federal tax returns for individuals. Students will research and apply the appropriate tax laws in relation to the specific circumstances and tax liabilities. Students will prepare federal tax returns and communicate various tax return information to stakeholders.
Advanced Personal Financial Planning
Course ID:
FIN 350
In this course, students will be introduced to the comprehensive financial planning process and will develop financial knowledge on a range of financial planning concepts. The psychology of financial planning and best practices in the field will be explored. Students will analyze diverse client scenarios to determine and effectively communicate appropriate financial recommendations.
Risk Management and Insurance Planning
Course ID:
FIN 355
Examine strategies to mitigate financial risk through risk management techniques to protect income, assets and financial plans. Differentiate between insurance types and products and be able to conduct an insurance needs analysis to make informed client recommendations.
Estate Planning and Taxation
Course ID:
FIN 460
Examine estate planning techniques used to optimize an estate's value and to ensure a seamless transition of assets upon an individual's death. Explore appropriate questions to ask in order to collect the information needed for evaluation of, and recommended changes to, the estate plan. Students familiarize themselves with the different parties involved in an estate plan.
Financial Plan Development
Course ID:
FIN 485
In this course, students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and apply financial planning knowledge and skills through the development and communication of a comprehensive financial plan. Students will build expertise in general principles of financial planning, investment planning, risk management and insurance planning, tax planning, retirement savings and income planning, estate planning, and the psychology of financial planning. This course will also provide students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of professional conduct and regulation.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU’s gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
- Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
CFP information and eligibility
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning from SNHU is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. and is the only board-certified program in New Hampshire. This program meets the educational portion of the requirements to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
To become a CFP® professional, you must meet 4 certification requirements: education, examination, experience and ethics. The CFP® certification also requires fraud-related job experience, the amount of which is contingent upon your highest level of education.
The CFP® exam is held in two, 3-hour testing sessions on one day. It's offered in a computer-based format and administered at testing locations across the country.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 29, 2026 | August 31, 2026
Next term starts:
May 4, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Dedicated to your success
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're in your corner. You'll learn from instructors who have real-world experience and a genuine interest in seeing you succeed.
Featured Faculty
Gary Simmerman
Gary Simmerman has spent more than 25 years in the financial services industry and is a Certified Financial Planner®. In addition to teaching, he serves as a subject matter expert supporting the development and updating of program development, and in 2021 was named a Distinguished Online Teacher in Business award winner.
Position
Adjunct Faculty, Finance
Joined SNHU
2018
Education
- MPS in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University
- MBA in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University's Silberman College of Business
- BS in Computer Science from Lock Haven University
"SNHU's CFP Board-registered BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning program offers an affordable, flexible way to meet the education requirement of the CFP certification process."
Kristin Regis
Kristin Regis began her teaching career as an English instructor at Edogawa University near Tokyo, Japan. Her passion for teaching and finance prompted her to start teaching finance courses part time at SNHU (both face-to-face and online) before transitioning into a full-time finance faculty lead role. Prior to working full time for SNHU, she held corporate and municipal leadership positions for over 10 years. Regis is a member of the Financial Planning Association
Position
Senior Associate Dean
Education
- MBA at Southern New Hampshire University
- MS in Financial Planning at Bentley University
- BS in Business Administration, Finance at University of Maine
What SNHU instructors are saying
Hear from our instructors about the financial planning concentration program:
“The program is very project-based, where students work through a particular client profile. They learn not just the fundamentals of how, but also how to have the conversations on the potential problems or issues that a client will face.”
Alan McKnight, CFP® professional and finance adjunct faculty
“You’ll get a leg up on other graduates with this curriculum, and you’ll be well ahead touting this rare commodity and opportunity to specialize. SNHU is one of the rare universities that offers it online.”
Brendan Mann, CFP® professional and finance adjunct faculty
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with my concentration in financial planning?
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning can position you for employment as a financial planner, professional tax preparer or personal financial advisors. While there are different types of financial advisors, becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ may set you apart. The CFP Board notes that getting certified can increase your competitive edge and career satisfaction, as well as customer satisfaction among your clients.2
Occupations
With a bachelor's in finance and a concentration in financial planning, you'll be prepared to take on jobs such as:
Investment Analyst
Guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to make a profit. Assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.
Account Manager
Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of a particular customer's account within a business with a focus on client satisfaction.
Risk Analyst
Use analytical skills to project potential losses and make recommendations to limit risk through diversification, currency exchanges and other investment strategies.
Financial Planner
Provide advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning, taxes and retirement to help individuals manage their finances.
Learn more about careers in accounting and finance.
13%
The projected percent growth nationally in employment for personal financial advisors through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$99,580
The median annual salary nationally for financial advisors in 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a finance degree and a concentration in financial planning?
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning can lead to a career as a certified financial planner, known as a CFP®, which is a role that individuals involved in financial decisions can benefit from.
Handling money is an important task from single parents to the CEOs of large businesses. A financial planner helps them to organize and understand where their money comes from, where it goes and what they should do with it along the way.
You could be helping a small-town clerk be sure her town can afford what they need, or you could be helping a family manage their expenses as two children go into college, or advising a young graduate on the best steps for a healthy financial future.
A concentration in financial planning can lead you to a wide array of career experiences because of how many people benefit from an expert's eyes on their budget.
Learn more about what you can do with a finance degree.
Is financial planning a good career?
A career as a certified financial planner is an excellent choice for those who enjoy working with people and mathematics. The CFP Board states that it was founded to help every American access quality financial advising.3 You may find satisfaction from helping others in your work.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you may meet with clients to advise them of investments to make, changes they may need to keep their finances and future healthy, or guide them through planning for retirement or sending children to college.1
The BLS also reported the median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $99,580 in 2023.1 Adding to that, the projected job growth rate through 2032 is 13% — much faster than the national average for all professions.1
If you're ready to take the first step in becoming a certified financial planner, securing both your financial future and many others', you can start by applying for SNHU's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning. The process is quick and simple – and there's no application fee.
Which financial planning program is best?
It's important to choose a program that is verified by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to ensure you're prepared for the CFP® exam.
The certification also requires a bachelor's degree or higher, so choosing a degree program that also serves to teach you financial planning makes your path efficient.
At SNHU, our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning is approved by the CFP Board.
This program not only teaches you the skills necessary to pass the exam but also gives you well-rounded skills in finance so you can make plans with many other financial systems in mind. You may take courses to learn risk management and insurance planning, taxation or human relations in administration. This prepares you to work with clients who have multiple kinds of investments and interests, large and small.
Additionally, you have access to SNHU's student resources such as the career development team and tutoring services. You'll have support on your way to certification that could help you enter your career as a CFP® with confidence.
Which one is better, CFA or CFP®?
Both credentials are a great choice for someone who wants to work in finance. It all depends on your preferred type of work.
As the CFP Board states, a CFP® works with individuals or small groups, while a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) works within bigger organizations that make large investments, such as banks or insurance companies, and analyzes these investments.2
Someone working as a CFP® may find a more personal connection to their work, especially if they help families and young adults plan for their financial futures. If you prefer designing strategies for healthy financial decisions for everyday people, earning a CFP® certification may be the right choice for you.
Alternatively, earning a CFA is an especially high distinction in the investment industry. This is a globally recognized standard of skills that could allow you to work with businesses all over the world. And if you like a challenge, this is a highly competitive industry and position.3
You can even earn both credentials, as they pair well together. Having the skills to work both small-scale and large-scale is a valuable trait. With both certifications, you can address the full scope of your client's financial life – whether the small family wants to invest in big stocks or the organization wants to take smaller budgets into account, you may have the right skills to bring to the table.
Being able to work on multiple levels can allow you to do the majority of the work yourself with no need to employ other services to fill knowledge gaps. This helps build a stronger relationship with clients too.
Whether you're a CFA, a CFP® or both, you can work in a great industry.
How long does it take to get a BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning?
While a bachelor's degree is traditionally considered a 4-year program, the length of time it takes you to finish your BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning online at SNHU depends on a few factors, including your schedule.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can attend full time (2 classes per term) or part time (1 class per term). Undergraduate terms at SNHU can fly by, as they're only 8 weeks long. You can work with your academic advisor on a timeline for getting your degree.
The length of time it takes to earn your bachelor's is also dependent on transfer credit. Most SNHU students have brought in credit from other colleges or life experience, and they come here intent on finishing their degree.
Fortunately, SNHU has a generous transfer policy that allows you to put up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's here. If you're able to transfer in the full 90, that means you only have 10 classes (30 credits) left to get to the finish line.
At SNHU, success is on your schedule. When you submit a free application, you can have the admission team perform a transfer credit evaluation – also for free. From there, you can make an informed decision about your time at SNHU.
What is a concentration?
At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.
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Sources & Citations
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (viewed May 2, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 Certified Financial Planner Board, on the internet, at:
- https://www.cfp.net/why-cfp-certification/why-get-certified (viewed Feb. 25, 2022)
- https://www.cfp.net/about-cfp-board/mission-and-priorities (viewed Feb. 25, 2022)
- https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process/education-requirement (viewed Feb. 25, 2022)
- https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process/exam-requirement (viewed Feb. 25, 2022)
- https://www.cfp.net/why-cfp-certification/career-guide/what-makes-cfp-certification-different/how-does-cfp-certification-complement-my-cfa (viewed Feb. 25, 2022)
3 CFA Institute, CFA Program, on the internet, at https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa (viewed Feb. 25, 2022)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, the CFP® (with plaque design) certification mark and the CFP® (with flame design) certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board also owns the CFP BOARD® service mark. Any marks owned by CFP Board are used with permission.