Bachelor’s in Finance: Financial Planning Emphasis
Bachelor’s in Finance: Financial Planning Emphasis
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GCU leads with a Lopes First perspective, embracing a student-centric culture that emphasizes higher purpose, conscious capitalism and academic success.
When you complete your financial advisor schooling, you will be expected to demonstrate cultural competence while working with diverse stakeholders. You are encouraged to respect the cultural, social, personal values and differences of the people with whom you work and serve.
This undergraduate finance program includes comprehensive classes covering topics such as:
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Finance with an Emphasis in Financial Planning is an undergraduate degree program that introduces you to all aspects of personal financial planning. In this comprehensive program, you will examine methodologies and best practices in areas such as risk evaluation, investments and taxes.
This bachelor’s degree program also integrates essential soft skills throughout, including effective communication and professional ethics. A bachelor’s degree can enable students to study financial planning and is typically an entry-level requirement for becoming a financial planner, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).(See disclaimer 1)
With this degree, you might pursue a range of career opportunities across numerous settings. Consider a career as a planner or an advisor in financial planning firms, banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies or wealth management firms.(See disclaimer 4)
With GCU’s bachelor’s in finance degree, you can be prepared for the following roles in financial services, such as:
• Personal financial planner
• Financial planning analyst
• Financial investment analyst
• Investment manager
• Financial manager
• Credit analyst
• Loan officer
No matter the role, personal financial planners have opportunities to positively impact the lives of people and their families.
Median annual wage for personal financial advisors, as of May 2022(See disclaimer 5)
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
In GCU’s financial planning courses, you will explore how to assess clients’ personal current and future financial needs, develop goals, evaluate alternatives and create a comprehensive action plan that’s in alignment with your clients’ values and objectives.
Learn more about earning your Bachelor of Science in Finance with an Emphasis in Financial Planning at GCU.
At GCU, you’ll enjoy academic flexibility, as you can choose to study financial planning online or on campus. This degree program is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) Board registered program that fulfills the CFP® certification education requirement. Earning this undergraduate degree can be the first step toward a career as a financial advisor.
Upon graduation, you will have been provided the necessary knowledge and skills so you can help others plan for their financial future. You’ll also be able to apply what you’ve been taught about financial planning principles and practices to your own personal finances, which may empower you to achieve better peace of mind through wise fiscal decisions.
At GCU, you will be immersed within the Christian worldview via faith-integrated financial planning classes. You will have the opportunity to learn the important role CFP® professionals have in putting the interests of their clients first as they provide competent and ethical financial planning.
As a graduate of GCU’s emphasis in financial planning, you will meet both parts of the CFP Board’s education requirement, including:(See disclaimer 2)
This BS in Finance: financial planning emphasis program meets the coursework requirement to sit for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(See disclaimer TM) exam — an important step in the path to CFP® certification. CFP® certification is granted solely by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to individuals who have met ethics, experience and examination requirements, in addition to completing an education requirement such as this CFP Board Registered Program from GCU.
CFP® professionals are strongly satisfied with their career choice in financial planning.(See disclaimer 3)
GCU stands by the quality of our education and the comprehensiveness of our curriculum. We are an institutionally accredited university with a focus on supporting students’ success. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The Colangelo College of Business shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Enjoy greater flexibility and convenience while you work toward this BS in Finance degree as an online student. You will have access to GCU’s intuitive and interactive e-learning platform, which allows you to access course materials and enjoy meaningful connections with peers and instructors.
Browse through our frequently asked questions to further explore finance-related careers and what it takes to pursue them.
Why is financial planning important?
Are finance majors with a financial planning emphasis happy?
What skills do successful financial planners use at work?
What exams do financial advisors take?
Is financial planning a good career?
