Online Bachelor of Arts in Business – Financial Planning

A Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in financial planning prepares you to become a leading professional in the personal financial services industry. You’ll develop the skills needed to become a financial advisor and assist clients with their most important planning decisions.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Business – Financial Planning (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Prepare for a career in personal financial planning

Join the next generation of financial planning professionals by gaining the knowledge and skills needed to develop solutions for your clients’ personal financial needs. This program’s curriculum prepares you to assist clients in navigating life’s most important personal financial decisions, including financial investments, insurance needs and estate and tax planning.

This program is best suited for those seeking client-facing roles in the financial services industry. Students interested in working in corporate finance should check out the corporate accounting degree concentration, whereas those looking to become accountants should check out the bachelor’s in accountancy.

Personal financial advisor: An in-demand and high-paying career

As the population ages and life expectancy rises, the demand for financial planning services will increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of personal financial advisors is projected to rise 13% between 2022 and 2032, with 25,600 job openings projected each year, on average, during that time. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

These roles are well-paid, too, with the median annual salary being $95,390 as of May 2022, per the BLS.

What you’ll learn in this program

Throughout your coursework, you’ll become skilled across multiple dimensions of the financial planning process. You’ll learn how to value financial assets and assess portfolio risk and performance. You’ll also become familiar with tax strategies and calculations around income realization, exclusions and deductions, passive activities, considerations of business forms, property transactions and the taxation of gift and estate transfers. Additionally, you’ll gain a variety of transferable skills, including:

  • Communication.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Data analysis and quantitative reasoning.
  • Management.
  • Problem solving.

Professional licensure and certification

This program fulfills the educational requirements for students to sit for the Certified Financial Planner™ certification exam. Since certification and licensure requirements vary according to your background, we recommend you visit our professional licensure page to determine if your program meets the requirements of individual state licensure or certification, as applicable. If you have specific questions, please contact your program director or degree coordinator.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Business and financial planning courses

The coursework in the financial planning degree concentration teaches you how to complete comprehensive evaluations of financial states and goals. Class topics include personal finance and investment management, estate planning strategies and tax and insurance planning. You’ll also have opportunities for experiential learning before you head into your financial planning career.


What you can do with a financial planning degree concentration

This online program provides you with knowledge and academic experience in personal financial planning, so you can secure employment in the growing field of financial services. You’ll gain the skills you need to evaluate and plan for your clients' personal financial needs.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)


Growth: 12.8 %
Salary: $95,390

Community Life Director


Growth: 8.3 %
Salary: $43,680

Credit Counselor


Growth: 5.4 %
Salary: $47,320

Financial Manager


Growth: 16.0 %
Salary: $139,790

Insurance Agent


Growth: 7.9 %
Salary: $57,860

Loan Officer


Growth: 2.9 %
Salary: $65,740

Learn from finance and business professionals

The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:

  • National Academy of Sciences members.
  • Renowned journal publications.
  • Speakers at national conferences.

Learn from finance and business professionals

The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:

  • National Academy of Sciences members.
  • Renowned journal publications.
  • Speakers at national conferences.

Admission requirements for the financial planning degree concentration

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Join a leading business school, 100% online

The W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Our AACSB-accredited business school is committed to delivering excellent quality and value. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our commitment to academics, groundbreaking research and positive student outcomes.

#3


best online bachelor's in business programs.

#3


best online master’s in business programs (excluding MBA).

#3


best online general management MBA programs.

Top 5


best online business analytics MBA programs.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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