Financial Planning Degree Online BS in Finance Concentration Courses
Program Overview Why get a financial planning degree?
SNHU's CFP Board-registered online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning prepares students for a rewarding career, guiding people toward the achievement of their personal financial goals.
Earning your financial planning degree at SNHU means you've met the educational requirement to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, one of the highest standards of excellence in the field. Our financial planning program is also registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., preparing you to take the CFP® certification exam.
It is also the only CFP Board-registered program in New Hampshire.
Skills you'll learn:
- Financial plan development
- Forecasting
- Tax preparation
- Compliant ethical and legal strategies
- Risk management
- Estate planning
Courses & Curriculum Online financial planning degree classes that prepare you for your career
The online finance degree is grounded in core business knowledge, which emphasizes communication, entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, personal and social responsibility and global orientation.
Online financial planning degree courses
Business programs require learners to complete the business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
It culminates in a capstone experience that brings the numbers to life as students use cutting-edge technology and case studies to analyze and synthesize financial reporting data.
Courses may include:
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:
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps 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.
- Note: 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. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: 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.
Prepare for CFP® Exam Certification
Information & Requirements
When you earn your financial planning degree at SNHU, you've met the educational requirement to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional – the highest standard of excellence in the field.
Our financial planning program is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. and sets students up for career success, allowing them to gain the knowledge that can prepare them to take the CFP® certification exam.
The financial planning degree prepares our students to become client-focused professional financial planners who help individuals and families create, manage and transfer wealth efficiently.
Learn more about what it means to become a certified financial advisor.
Exam Dates
The CFP® exam is held on one day over two 3-hour testing sessions. It's offered in a computer-based format and administered in testing locations across the country.
Eligibility Criteria
To become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, you must meet 4 certification requirements: education, examination, experience and ethics. SNHU's BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning meets the educational requirements to sit for the exam. The CFP® certification also requires fraud-related job experience, the amount of which is contingent on your highest level of education.
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: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
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.
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.
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/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
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 180,000 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
It's easy, fast and free.
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!)
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
*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:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
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
Career Outlook What can I do with an online financial planning degree?
A bachelor's in finance with a financial planning concentration puts you in a powerful position for employment in banking, insurance, mortgage companies and credit card firms. Some financial specialists work solo as tax preparers, personal financial advisors or real-estate appraisers – though additional licensure requirements, which vary by state, can apply.
Though there are many different financial advisors, being a certified CFP® professional may set you apart. The CFP Board notes that getting certified increases your chances of a competitive edge and career satisfaction, as well as customer satisfaction.2
Occupations
As an individual or as part of a financial team, with SNHU's online degree, you'll be prepared to take on jobs such as:
Guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to make a profit. Assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.
Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of a particular customer's account within a business with a focus on client satisfaction.
Use analytical skills to project potential losses and make recommendations to limit risk through diversification, currency exchanges and other investment strategies.
Provide advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning, taxes and retirement to help individuals manage their finances.
The projected percent growth in employment for personal financial advisors through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
The median annual salary for financial advisors in 2023, according to the BLS.1
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 do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
A degree 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 degree 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.
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 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 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, with the highest 10% earning more than $239,200.1 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 BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning. The process is quick and simple – and there's no application fee.
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 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.
Costs vary depending on where and how you're learning.
Online courses often fit more lives at a lower cost. At SNHU, our tuition for online bachelor's degree programs is one of the lowest in the nation. The standard tuition rate is $330 per credit hour. This totals about $39,600 for a 120-credit degree program. However, for many students, the total tuition investment becomes less, as many have previously attended other institutions and can save money by transferring credits into the program.
We're also dedicated to making higher education accessible, so we have a wide variety of financial aid options that may be able to help reduce your cost. Our Student Financial Services team can help you develop a financial plan to borrow and pay wisely, much like you could be doing for others in your future career as a CFP®.
So for the investment outlined, you not only prep for the CFP® exam but you earn your BS in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning at the same time.
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.
The length of time it takes you to earn a financial planning degree is up to you and 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.
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.