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 provides a solid foundation in financial planning, with a focus on practical application and informed 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 including 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 distinguishes itself through an integrated approach that combines 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 confidently enter the workforce, giving graduates a competitive advantage in the financial planning industry.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for individuals aiming to excel in financial planning. It suits students from diverse backgrounds and career paths. The following groups will particularly benefit:
- 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
Students apply financial theories to real-world scenarios. The curriculum bridges the gap between theory and practical financial planning, helping students navigate complex financial landscapes and make informed decisions through case studies and client-based projects. Many also complete internships with leading financial firms nationwide, gaining 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 enter the industry confidently and 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
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 practical advice to clients across a wide range of 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 retirement and employee benefit planning fundamentals and techniques. Topics include ethics, types of alternative retirement plans, retirement needs analysis, tax implications, life, medical, and disability plans, as well as 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 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 offer clients comprehensive financial advice, encompassing budgeting, investments, retirement planning, 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 professionals 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 professionals 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. They 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.
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:
- 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 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 available in private and public sectors, graduates can pursue diverse and rewarding careers.
Yes, Fort Hays State University offers scholarships specifically for students pursuing a degree in financial planning. 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.
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 specific criteria, including relevance to the program and a minimum number of work hours. This ensures the experience is both educational and contributes to degree completion.
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.
Finance and economics are related but distinct fields. Finance centers on managing money, investments, and financial institutions, with a focus on financial systems, corporate finance, and financial planning. Economics is a broader field, studying the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, as well as 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.
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.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Bachelor's
- On-Campus
