Major in Financial Planning

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance: Financial Planning at FHU stands out due to several key factors.

Firstly, our program is designed to prepare students for careers in financial planning and related industries, addressing the practical and relevant demands of the field. As a CFP Board Registered Program and an educational partner, FHU ensures that graduates meet the rigorous standards required for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, offering a competitive advantage in the job market.

Moreover, interactive instruction with financial planning professionals provides valuable real-world insights and experiences, enhancing students’ readiness for their careers. With a solid general business foundation and a focused financial planning curriculum, students receive a comprehensive education that sets them apart in the competitive landscape of financial planning.

Choose FHU’s Finance: Financial Planning program for a career-ready and industry-recognized degree.

The job outlook for financial planning degree graduates is promising and offers strong career prospects. Financial planning is a rapidly growing field, driven by the increasing complexity of financial markets and the need for individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions. Here are some key factors contributing to the positive job outlook for financial planning degree graduates:

1. Increased Demand: As the population ages and retirement planning becomes essential, the demand for qualified financial planners is on the rise. Additionally, more individuals and families seek professional advice to manage their investments, taxes, and financial goals.
2. Retirement of Current Planners: Many current financial planners are reaching retirement age, creating a significant number of job openings in the industry.
3. Complexity of Financial Products: The financial landscape is becoming more intricate, necessitating expert guidance for individuals to navigate investment options, insurance, and retirement plans.
4. Growing Wealth Management Sector: High-net-worth individuals and families seek specialized financial planning services, leading to increased opportunities in wealth management.
5. Emphasis on Financial Literacy: Governments and organizations are increasingly emphasizing financial literacy and planning, driving the demand for financial planners.
6. CFP® Designation: Graduates with a financial planning degree, especially from CFP Board Registered Programs like FHU’s, have a competitive advantage in the job market due to eligibility for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

Overall, financial planning degree graduates can expect a favorable job market with diverse career opportunities in areas such as financial planning firms, wealth management companies, investment firms, insurance companies, and financial advisory services.

The industry’s steady growth and the need for skilled professionals to guide individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals make financial planning an attractive and rewarding career path.

A successful financial planning career requires a combination of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to professional development. Here are some essential skills needed to thrive in the financial planning industry:

1. Financial Literacy: A strong understanding of financial concepts, investment strategies, tax laws, and retirement planning is crucial for providing accurate and effective financial advice to clients.
2. Analytical Skills: Financial planners must analyze complex financial data, assess risks, and evaluate investment options to make informed recommendations aligned with clients’ goals.
3. Communication Skills: Excellent communication is essential for building trust and rapport with clients. Financial planners need to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
4. Listening Skills: Understanding clients’ financial goals and concerns requires active listening to gather relevant information and tailor financial plans accordingly.
5. Problem-Solving: Financial planners must be adept at identifying challenges and providing creative solutions to help clients overcome financial hurdles.
6. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: A successful financial planner understands and empathizes with clients’ unique financial situations, helping them make rational decisions in emotionally charged situations.
7. Ethical Standards: Upholding high ethical standards is vital for gaining clients’ trust and maintaining integrity in the financial planning profession.
8. Continuous Learning: Financial planning is a dynamic field, and successful planners prioritize ongoing education and professional development to stay abreast of industry changes and enhance their skills.

By combining these skills with a dedication to serving clients’ best interests, financial planning professionals can establish a successful and rewarding career while making a positive impact on their clients’ financial well-being.

The core values of Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) play a significant role in shaping and influencing the Finance: Financial Planning program. These core values have a positive impact on the program’s philosophy, curriculum, and overall approach to education. Here’s how some of FHU’s core values may affect the Finance: Financial Planning program:

1. Christian Faith: FHU’s commitment to Christian faith can be reflected in the ethical perspective and integrity emphasized in the financial planning curriculum. Students are encouraged to approach financial planning with honesty, transparency, and a sense of responsibility towards their clients’ well-being.
2. Excellence: The value of excellence will drive the program to maintain high academic standards, ensuring that students receive a quality education and are equipped with the best financial planning practices.
3. Critical Thinking: Emphasizing critical thinking can enhance students’ ability to analyze complex financial situations, evaluate risks, and make informed decisions in their financial planning strategies.
4. Service: The value of service may encourage students to focus on helping clients achieve their financial goals, providing personalized and client-centric financial planning advice.
5. Lifelong Learning: FHU’s emphasis on lifelong learning may inspire students to continually update their knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving financial planning industry.

Overall, FHU’s core values contribute to creating a Financial Planning program that not only focuses on academic excellence but also instills ethical principles, critical thinking abilities, and a commitment to serving others. The program aims to produce well-rounded financial planning professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also guided by values that align with FHU’s overall mission as an institution.