Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning)

Bachelor's

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning)

Hours: 120 On-Campus

About

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University offers a strong foundation in financial planning, with a focus on practical application and strategic decision-making. The program equips students with the skills needed to analyze, develop, and implement effective personal finance strategies for individuals and families.

Students explore key areas such as investment management, insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning, preparing them thoroughly for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) examination. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest industry trends and techniques, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the job market.

Why pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University?

The BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program at FHSU distinguishes itself through an integrated approach that combines both theoretical and practical aspects of financial planning. It offers a comprehensive pathway to prepare students for the nationally recognized Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification.

The program equips students with both the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to enter the workforce confidently, giving graduates a competitive advantage in the financial planning industry.

Who is this program for?

Our BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program is designed for individuals seeking to excel in the field of financial planning. It is well-suited for a diverse group of students with varying backgrounds and career aspirations. The following outlines the types of students who will particularly benefit from this program:

Aspiring financial planners and advisors
Business professionals looking to specialize in financial planning
Career changers targeting the finance industry
Professionals aiming for certifications and professional licensure

Real-World Applications

In the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program, students apply financial theories and concepts directly to real-world scenarios. The curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical finance and practical financial planning, enabling students to navigate complex financial landscapes and make informed decisions through case studies and client-based projects. Many students have completed internships with leading financial firms nationwide, gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for successful careers across diverse sectors of the financial industry.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Faculty regularly update course content to reflect the latest financial regulations, ensuring graduates are knowledgeable about compliance and best practices in financial planning. This proactive approach equips students to not only enter the industry confidently but also to lead and drive innovation.

Hands-on Activities

Fort Hays State University prioritizes experiential learning within the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program. Students participate in hands-on activities that simulate real-world financial planning scenarios, including national competitions where they present financial plans and strategies. The program also offers access to the Investment Analytics Lab, enabling students to earn a Bloomberg certification. Additionally, internship opportunities allow students to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights and expertise in financial planning. These practical experiences are integral to the curriculum, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the finance industry.

What You’ll Learn:

Essentials of personal and corporate finance
Advanced investment strategies and analysis
Retirement and estate planning techniques
Risk management and insurance planning
Ethical considerations in financial advice

How You’ll Learn:

Hands-on investment fund management
Opportunity to work on case studies that mimic real-life scenarios
Collaborate with other financial planning students on projects
Learn through internships and real-world scenarios
Access to guest lectures from industry experts

Courses

The curriculum covers the five core pillars of financial planning: investments, insurance, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. These courses equip students with the essential skills to become successful financial planners, enabling them to provide effective advice to clients across diverse economic situations.

FIN 450: Personal Financial Planning

This course is a comprehensive study of the concepts and techniques of financial planning. Topics include the role of the financial planner, legal and ethical requirements, developing a financial plan, economic analysis, insurance analysis, investment analysis, tax planning, and estate and retirement planning.

FIN 680: Retirement and Employee Benefit Planning

This course is a comprehensive study of the fundamentals and techniques of retirement and employee benefit planning. Topics include ethics, types of alternative retirement plans, retirement needs analysis, tax implications, life, medical, and disability plans, and other current topics.

ACCT 402: Income Tax Procedure

In this course, students will study a broad range of federal tax concepts and types of taxpayers, including the role of taxation in the business decision-making process. This follows the AICPA model tax curriculum.

Discover the full Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) enter the workforce equipped with strong skills and knowledge, qualifying them for a variety of rewarding career paths. The finance industry offers diverse opportunities to apply analytical expertise, market insights, and strategic planning abilities. Below are potential career paths that graduates may pursue, each presenting its own challenges and rewards:

Certified Financial Planner

Certified financial planners provide clients with comprehensive financial advice, including budgeting, investments, retirement, and insurance. They help clients achieve long-term goals through careful planning and ongoing reviews. This role demands strong financial knowledge and interpersonal skills. To become certified financial planners, students must pass the CFP® exam.

Investment Analyst

Investment analysts research market conditions and evaluate investment options to make informed recommendations. They prepare reports forecasting investment performance. This role suits graduates skilled in research with a strong interest in market trends and portfolio management.

Personal Finance Advisor

Personal finance advisors help individuals manage their finances and achieve financial security by guiding investments, estate planning, tax planning, and insurance decisions. This role suits graduates passionate about improving others' financial well-being through personalized strategies.

Risk Management Specialist

Risk management specialists identify, analyze, and mitigate financial risks affecting organizations. They protect assets and operations from market fluctuations and legal liabilities. Graduates in this field use their expertise to safeguard businesses in both the public and private sectors.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a range of related programs that complement the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning). These options allow students to broaden their knowledge, specialize further, or explore different areas of business and finance. Whether aiming to deepen expertise or expand career opportunities, these programs enhance both academic and professional profiles:

FAQ

What are the employment opportunities for graduates of the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning)?

Graduates are prepared for roles such as certified financial planners, investment analysts, personal finance advisors, and risk management specialists. The comprehensive curriculum equips them with skills to excel and remain competitive. With opportunities across private and public sectors, graduates can pursue diverse and rewarding careers.

Are there scholarships available for students in this program?

Yes, Fort Hays State University offers scholarships specifically for financial planning students. These awards support students based on academic merit, financial need, or both. Prospective and current students can apply through the university’s financial aid office to find scholarships that help reduce tuition and other educational costs.

Will an internship count as credit toward my degree?

Internships may count as credit toward the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) at FHSU. To earn credit, internships must be approved by the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting beforehand and meet criteria like relevance to the program and a minimum number of work hours. This ensures the experience is both educational and contributes to degree completion.

How do I become a financial planner?

Completing the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) fulfills the education requirements to sit for the CFP® exam, the first step toward certification. Becoming a certified financial planner also involves meeting ethical standards and completing ongoing education set by the CFP Board. The CFP® designation is highly respected in the industry.

Is finance an economics degree?

Finance and economics are related but distinct fields. Finance centers on managing money, investments, and financial institutions, focusing on financial systems, corporate finance, and planning. Economics is broader, studying the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and how resources are allocated. Programs like a BBA in Finance are more specialized and career-focused, while economics offers a wider analytical view of markets and policy.

Information about the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting

The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.

Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.

Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.

Student Organizations

While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.

Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

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Financial Planning

Bachelor's

On-Campus

Financial Planning