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Financial Planning Concentration

Financial Planning Concentration

What Can You Do with an MBA in Financial Planning?

Today's financial landscape requires advisors who can do more than crunch numbers, they must guide clients with empathy, ethics, and long-term strategy. An MBA with a concentration in Financial Planning prepares professionals to lead in wealth management, retirement planning, and personal Finance with technical expertise and a human-centered approach.

At the ³Ô¹ÏÍø, students in the Financial Planning concentration gain a deep understanding of tax strategy, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management, and investment principles, all while cultivating the soft skills and ethical foundation needed to serve clients with integrity.

Graduates are well-positioned to pursue the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and excel in client-facing financial careers.

Financial Planning Career Paths to Consider:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

CFPs help individuals and families achieve long-term financial goals through personalized strategies in retirement, investments, taxes, and estate planning.

Wealth Advisor / Private Wealth Manager

These advisors work with high-net-worth clients to manage assets, plan for future generations, and align portfolios with lifestyle and legacy goals.

Estate Planner

Estate Planners develop strategies to transfer wealth, minimize taxes, and protect family assets. They often collaborate with attorneys and accountants in high-trust settings.

Retirement Planning Specialist

These professionals guide clients through savings strategies, retirement income planning,  and Social Security or pension optimization.

Director Financial Planning Director

A senior-level role that oversees planning teams, develops financial strategies, and ensures compliance with fiduciary standards. Often found in firms or large institutions.

What is the Difference Between Financial Planning and Finance?

A career in Finance equips students with the analytical and strategic skills to manage money for corporations, institutions, and investors. Graduates often pursue roles in corporate finance, investment banking, or financial analysis, focusing on maximizing organizational performance and returns. In contrast, a career in Financial Planning prepares students to work one-on-one with individuals and families, helping them navigate personal goals like retirement, savings, and estate planning. This path emphasizes relationship-building, ethical guidance, and long-term financial security. Both tracks offer rewarding opportunities, but differ in focus, work environment, and client interaction.

Quality education for the working professional

One of the prime advantages of the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business at the ³Ô¹ÏÍø is quality education created for the working professional. The Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business uses a trimester system, with fall, spring, and summer terms to allow for accelerated time to completion. Classes are offered in an evening format at our Irving campus or online. 

For international students, it is a distinct advantage to attend classes with current working professionals in the field where they aspire to work. Upon graduation, students may apply for the 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Ready to Start?

MBA Degree Requirements

39 Total Credit Hours / 18 Classes.

(Required for All Graduate Business Programs)
MANA 6V50 The Virtuous Leader. 
MANA 6V51 Business and the Common Good. 
BUAD 6320 The Effective Communicator.

BUAD 5F70 Cornerstone*
ACCT/FINA 6310 Financial Intelligence.
BUAD 6310 Quantitative Reasoning for Decision-Making.
MANA 7310 High Performance Work Teams.
LDRS 6310 Leading Innovation and Organizational Change.
MANA 7330 Integrated Business Operations. 
MANA 7340 Integrated Business Strategy.

*BUAD 5F70. Required for all international and probationary students, including conditional and qualifying admission statuses.
BUAD 6101 Leading Yourself. (Semester 1)
BUAD 6102 Enhancing Interpersonal Effectiveness. (Semester 2)
BUAD 6103 Career Advancement. (Semester 3)
Select one (1) course from the following:

CYBS 6345 
Securing the Digital World.
BANA 7320 
Data Visualization and Storytelling.
BANA 7355 
AI for Business. 
BANA 7380 
Advanced Spreadsheet Modeling and Dashboards.

Select Three (3) Courses from this List

ACCT 5380  Income Tax I.
FINA 7322  Investments.
FINA 6360  Risk Management, Insurance & Estate Planning.
FINA 7355  Retirement Planning.

ACCT/FINA 6310  Financial Intelligence. Or
FINA 6305  Managerial Finance.