Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning)
Hours: 120 On-Campus
About
The BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University provides a robust financial planning foundation, emphasizing real-world application and strategic financial decision-making. This program will equip students with the necessary skills to analyze, plan, and implement effective personal finance strategies for individuals and families.
Students will delve into diverse areas such as investment management, insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning, ensuring they are well-prepared for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) examination. Our curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest trends and techniques in the financial planning industry, making our graduates highly competitive in the job market.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University?
Our BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program stands out for its integrated approach to teaching the theoretical and practical aspects of financial planning. We offer a comprehensive path to preparing for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification, recognized nationally as a standard of excellence in financial planning.
The program provides theoretical knowledge and practical experiences that ensure graduates are job-ready and have a competitive edge in the financial planning industry.
Who is this program for?
The BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University is tailored for individuals aspiring to excel in financial planning. This program is ideal for a diverse range of students with various backgrounds and career goals. Below are the specific types of students who will find this program especially beneficial:
- 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
Learning Outcomes
The BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University is designed to prepare students for the dynamic and demanding world of financial planning. Through our accredited program, students gain the requisite knowledge and skills essential for successful careers as personal financial advisors or financial planners. The curriculum emphasizes both the depth of personal finance fundamentals and the application of practical skills necessary for tackling real-world financial challenges. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue certification as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), equipped with a comprehensive understanding of estate planning, retirement planning, tax planning, insurance planning, and investment planning.
Comprehensive Financial Market Analysis
Graduates will be proficient in differentiating various types of financial assets and market environments, critical for developing sophisticated financial strategies. This knowledge enables them to advise clients effectively, considering domestic and international market influences, which is vital for any business major focusing on finance.
Proficiency in Time Value of Money Applications
Students will master time value of money techniques, applying these principles to real-world money management problems. This competency is essential for personal financial advisors who must evaluate and optimize client investment and financial plans, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.
Risk and Return Evaluation
Students will develop an acute understanding of the relationship between risk and return. This analytical capability is fundamental for finance professionals, enabling them to construct balanced portfolios that align with client risk tolerances and financial objectives, enhancing their capacity to work within any financial planning program.
Real-World Applications
In the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program, students immediately apply theories and concepts in real-world scenarios. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical finance and practical financial planning. Students learn to navigate complex financial landscapes and make sound decisions through case studies and client-based projects.
Students in BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) have participated in internships with some of the nation's leading financial firms. This real-world exposure prepares students for successful careers in various financial industry sectors.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Our faculty continuously updates course content to include the latest financial regulations, ensuring that our graduates are well-versed in compliance and best practices in financial planning. This forward-thinking approach prepares students to not only enter the industry but also to lead and innovate.
Hands-on Activities
Fort Hays State University emphasizes experiential learning in its BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) program. Students engage in various hands-on activities that simulate real financial planning scenarios. This includes participating in national competitions, where they present financial plans and strategies, and utilizing the Investment Analytics Lab to become Bloomberg certified.
Additionally, the program provides opportunities for internships that allow students to work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable insights and expertise in financial planning. These activities are integral to our curriculum and ensure that 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
The curriculum of the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) includes courses in the five pillars of financial planning – investments, insurance, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. These courses are designed to prepare students to be successful financial planners and are critical for students specializing in financial planning, providing them with the skills needed to advise clients effectively across various economic scenarios.
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.
Graduates of the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) from Fort Hays State University enter the workforce with a robust set of skills and knowledge that qualify them for a wide range of promising career paths. The finance industry offers diverse opportunities where individuals can apply their analytical skills, understanding of financial markets, and strategic planning abilities. Below are five potential career avenues that graduates can pursue, each offering unique challenges and rewards:
Certified Financial Planner
As certified financial planners, graduates provide clients with comprehensive financial advice that covers budgeting, investments, retirement planning, and insurance. They help individuals set and achieve their long-term financial goals through careful planning and regular review of financial plans. This role requires a deep understanding of finance and strong interpersonal skills to build client relationships and trust. Students wanting to become a certified financial planner must sit for and pass the CFP® exam.
Investment Analyst
Investment analysts conduct detailed analyses to make investment recommendations for companies or individual clients. They assess market conditions, review potential investment vehicles, and prepare reports predicting investment performance. This career is ideal for graduates who excel in research and are keenly interested in market trends, economic indicators, and portfolio management.
Personal Finance Advisor
Personal finance advisors assist individuals in managing their finances and achieving financial security. They guide investments, estate planning, tax planning, and insurance decisions. This role is perfect for graduates passionate about helping others improve their economic well-being and can tailor financial strategies to individual needs.
Risk Management Specialist
Specialists in risk management focus on identifying, analyzing, and mitigating financial risks that could impact an organization. They safeguard assets, incomes, and business operations against losses from fluctuations in financial markets or legal liabilities. Graduates entering this field will find that their expertise in assessing and responding to financial risk is crucial for 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 $2,961.90* (On-Campus)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/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.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers diverse related programs that complement the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning). These programs provide additional opportunities for students to broaden their knowledge, specialize further, or explore different aspects of business and finance. Whether students are looking to deepen their expertise or expand their career horizons, these related programs can enhance their academic and professional profiles:
- BBA in Accounting
- BBA in Marketing
- Minor in Accounting
- Minor in Economics
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Banking
- Certificate in Economics
- Kansas Insurance Certificate
Graduates of the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) at Fort Hays State University are well-prepared for various roles in the financial sector. Potential employment opportunities include positions as certified financial planners, investment analysts, personal finance advisors, and risk management specialists. The program's comprehensive curriculum equips students with the necessary skills to excel in these roles, making them highly competitive in the job market. Additionally, the financial industry is known for its dynamic range of opportunities in both the private and public sectors, ensuring a diverse array of career paths for our graduates.
Yes, Fort Hays State University offers a variety of scholarships specifically tailored for students in the financial planning program. These scholarships are designed to support students based on academic merit, financial need, or both. Prospective and current students are encouraged to apply through the university's financial aid office, where they can access information on scholarships that can help offset the cost of tuition and other educational expenses.
Internships may count as credit toward the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning). Fort Hays State University values practical experience, and internships are a great way to gain real-world skills while still in school. To receive academic credit, the department must approve internships in advance. They must meet specific criteria, such as relevance to the degree program and a specified number of work hours. This approach ensures that the internship experience is educational and beneficial towards completing your degree requirements.
Students who complete the BBA in Finance (Financial Planning) meet the educational requirements to sit for the CFP® certification exam. This is the first step to becoming a certified financial planner. Certification also requires adhering to ethical standards and completing continuing education as outlined by the CFP Board of Standards. The CFP® designation is highly respected in the industry.
While finance and economics are closely related fields, they are distinct degrees. Finance primarily focuses on managing money, investments, and financial institutions. It involves studying financial systems, corporate finance, and financial planning. Conversely, economics is broader and deals with producing, distributing, and consuming goods and services. It explores how individuals, businesses, governments, and nations allocate resources. Finance programs, like our B.B.A., are more specialized and career-oriented toward financial services. In contrast, economics can provide a broader analytical framework for understanding market dynamics and economic policy.
Department Information
FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting provides expertise in effectively and ethically managing money in both public and private sectors for a highly versatile, in-demand career path. Our department provides highly sought-after degrees in accounting, finance, and international business and economics. These programs are backed by career-centered internship opportunities, in-depth mentoring by faculty and staff, and flexible online degrees. Our programs prepare students for in-demand jobs, with courses that span the entire business landscape. The Robbins Banking Institute further enhances career preparation in the area of banking, offering a practical, real-time curriculum for rewarding careers. Our faculty, who are experts in their field and student-focused, support students to maximize individual growth.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Accounting Club: This club offers a valuable opportunity for accounting students to connect with peers and prepare for their future careers. It aims to help members explore the various opportunities available in the field of accounting and introduce them to potential employers. Meetings frequently feature guest speakers who hold accounting degrees and are actively working in the profession.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: The ACFE organization brings together students from many disciplines to promote the detection and prevention of fraud in business.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is available to all students regardless of their major or knowledge of economics with the goal of promoting the study of and interest in economics. The signature activity of the club is to create a “Student Price Index” through a collaborative research project on FHSU student economic expectations. The club members typically take a trip to a major city in the U.S. every year.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club strives to assist in the professional, educational, and social development of college students interested in finance. The club also encourages interaction between the business sector, faculty, and students at FHSU. As part of club operations, they bring in speakers and take trips around the U.S. to learn more about the finance field.
- International Business Club: This club strives to improve students’ awareness and understanding of global business practices and economic issues. These issues are explored from diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the club aims to develop global citizen-leaders by enhancing students’ professional, educational, and social development through its discussions, activities, and international travel experiences.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program is housed in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting and directed by a financial planning faculty member. This program provides free financial guidance from students you can trust. This is a group of trained, money-savvy students passionate about helping you take care of your finances. They offer one-on-one sessions to answer your financial questions on a variety of financial topics, including:
- Organizing your finances and spending
- Creating and sticking to a budget
- Developing a plan to reach your short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding your student loans and repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing your credit report
- And more!
- Bachelors
- On-Campus
