Personal Financial Planning
Major
What is a personal financial planning major?
Personal financial planning majors help people plan for life's milestones like starting a family, paying for college and retiring.
By the time you graduate, you'll have the expertise you need to obtain state and federal licenses and a number of industry certifications including the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.
AT A GLANCE
Choosing our personal financial planning major
Money is at the core of many of the decisions that shape our lives. Buying a home, sending a child to college and saving enough to retire are major events. Personal financial planners empower clients to reach these milestones.
As a personal financial planning major, you'll learn how to weigh risk and opportunity as you help others reach their financial goals.
Our program will prepare you to take state and federal insurance and securities exams as well as over ten industry certification exams. For example, CMU's program is board certified, which gives you the ability to sit for the Certified Financial Planning Exam after graduation.
This major, registered with the Board of Certified Financial Planners ™, follows CFP® Board guidelines. You'll take classes in taxation, investments, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning.
You'll also find that the personal financial planning major is just that—personal. Every client is different, and class exercises will help you adapt to a range of needs. You'll also become familiar with the ethics and regulations that shape professional conduct. By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to sit for state and federal insurance and securities exams as well as over ten industry certifications including Certified Financial Planning Exam.
Personal financial planning major highlights
As a personal financial planning major, you will:
- Join one of the fastest growing fields: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% employment growth for financial advisors between 2018 and 2028.
- Compete nationally: Participate in the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC®)'s National Financial Plan Competition.
- Create personal and professional connections: Network with industry professionals through the CMU Future Financial Advisors Association and invitations to CMU students from NAIFA, FPA, and other professional organizations.
- Work with seasoned professionals: Engage in biweekly alumni mentoring sessions.
- Prepare for continued education: You'll be ready to attend law school or complement your studies in accounting, actuarial science, sales or other related fields.
Careers for personal financial planning majors
Personal financial planning majors are poised to take careers in financial planning and consulting, management and other fields.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Consultant | $99,580 |
| Securities/Commodities Trader | $76,900 |
| Investment/Portfolio Analyst | $99,890 |
| Director of Risk Management | $105,302 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $137,740 |
| Financial Analyst | $96,220 |
| Financial Manager | $139,790 |
Become a Michigan Finance Scholar
Join the Michigan Finance Scholars Program and gain experience to help you prepare for a career in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management or commercial banking. You'll have the opportunity to attend workshops that explore capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions and loan extensions. You can participate in finance case competitions and network with finance professionals or visit the New York Stock Exchange.
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