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Financial Planning Concentration

MBA, Financial Planning Concentration

Advance Your Financial Planning Expertise and Leadership Skills

As individuals and businesses face increasingly complex financial decisions, organizations need professionals who can provide strategic guidance with integrity. The University of Dallas MBA with a Concentration in Financial Planning equips you with expertise in investments, retirement, taxes, and estate planning — preparing you to deliver trusted, values-driven financial advice and make impactful decisions for clients and organizations.

Program Overview

Credit Hours: 39 Total Credit Hours / 18 Classes
Delivery Options: Online or on campus in Irving, Texas
Program Format: Flexible evening and online classes for working professionals
Accreditation: AACSB-accredited ³Ô¹ÏÍøallas College of Business
Typical Duration: 2–3 years (depending on schedule and course load)

 

 

What You’ll Learn in the MBA Financial Planning Concentration

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. 

 

Career Paths for MBA Financial Planning Graduates

 

CFPs help individuals and families achieve long-term financial goals through personalized strategies in retirement, investments, taxes, and estate planning.
These advisors work with high-net-worth clients to manage assets, plan for future generations, and align portfolios with lifestyle and legacy goals.
Estate Planners develop strategies to transfer wealth, minimize taxes, and protect family assets. They often collaborate with attorneys and accountants in high-trust settings.
These professionals guide clients through savings strategies, retirement income planning,  and Social Security or pension optimization.
A senior-level role that oversees planning teams, develops financial strategies, and ensures compliance with fiduciary standards. Often found in firms or large institutions.

Courses You'll Take

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.

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

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

Apply to the Dallas MBA Program

Joining the ³Ô¹ÏÍø MBA program is simple—no GMAT or GRE required. With multiple start dates throughout the year and flexible formats to fit your schedule, applying is the first step toward advancing your career with a values-driven, AACSB-accredited education. Whether online, on-campus, or hybrid, your MBA journey starts here. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The Financial Planning concentration prepares students to guide individuals and families in making informed, ethical, and long-term financial decisions. Students gain the knowledge and practical skills required for comprehensive financial planning, including investments, retirement, taxes, insurance, and estate planning—grounded in ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s commitment to principled, human-centered business education.

Students build a comprehensive foundation in professional financial advising, including:

  • Investment planning and portfolio strategy
  • Retirement income planning
  • Risk management and insurance
  • Tax-efficient financial strategies
  • Estate and wealth transfer planning
  • Client communication and relationship management
  • Ethical and regulatory standards for financial planning
Absolutely. Many courses integrate real-world data sets, case studies, and applied projects. The capstone-style applied analytics project allows students to build a professional portfolio piece that demonstrates practical experience to employers.
Most students complete the concentration within the standard MBA timeline. Full-time students may finish in as little as 1–2 years, while part-time and working students can progress at a pace that fits their schedule.
No. ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s program is designed for students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Courses start with foundational concepts and build upward, giving all students the support they need to master analytics tools and techniques.

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.

About the Dallas MBA

The ³Ô¹ÏÍøallas College of Business is and nationally recognized for its focus on practical, ethical, and globally minded business education. Our MBA program emphasizes values-driven leadership and provides the flexibility, rigor, and support working professionals need to succeed.