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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year | Transfer | International | Readmission
Some programs may have additional requirements for admission.
First-year applicants who meet the requirements for ASU first-year student admission are eligible for direct admission to the W. P. Carey School of Bachelor of Arts in business degree program. To be admitted to ASU, you must be a high school graduate and meet one of the following criteria:
- An SAT Reasoning score of 1120* (March 2016 and after) or 1040* (prior to March 2016) for residents.
- An SAT Reasoning score of 1180* (March 2016 and after) or 1110* (prior to March 2016) for non-residents.
- ACT 22 (24 non-residents).*
- A high school class ranking in the top 25%.
- An overall, unweighted high school GPA of 3.00 in competency courses defined by ASU (4.00 = “A”).
*ASU and W. P. Carey don’t require the writing portion of these tests.
If you’re a transfer student applying to the W. P. Carey School of Bachelor of Arts in business degree program, you’re eligible for direct admission if you have met the following requirements:
- ASU transfer student admission requirements.
- 3.00 cumulative ASU GPA (if you have attended ASU).
- 3.00 cumulative transfer GPA (if you have attended another institution).
- Minimum grade requirements must be met for all critical tracking courses taken (applicable only if student falls under critical tracking requirements).
An ASU academic integrity violation may preclude a student from entering or changing W. P. Carey academic programs.
Are you interested in challenging yourself academically by adding honors to your studies? Join Barrett, The Honors College to elevate your undergraduate experience and enhance your degree.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
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.”