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The Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning at the University of Missouri prepares students to help individuals and families make informed decisions about budgeting, investments, taxation, insurance and retirement. The program combines financial knowledge with counselling, analytical and communication skills, making it suitable for students interested in personal financial advising, wealth management, banking and financial education. The degree also meets the educational requirements for students seeking to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) examination.
Curriculum Structure
First Year: Students establish a foundation in economics, mathematics and personal finance through Financial Planning Careers (FINPLN 2083), Personal and Family Finance (FINPLN 2183) and Applied Microeconomics (ABM 1041). Courses in college algebra, calculus and writing develop quantitative reasoning and communication skills while introducing students to budgeting, savings, credit, insurance and investment fundamentals.
Second Year: Students develop practical financial counselling and technology skills through Financial Counseling (FINPLN 3282), Financial Planning: Computer Applications (FINPLN 3283) and Financial Planning: Risk Management (FINPLN 4382). Supporting courses in statistics, accounting and psychology help students analyse financial circumstances, understand client needs and assess potential financial risks.
Third Year: Students specialise in financial planning through Financial Planning: Investment Management (FINPLN 4383), Financial Planning: Tax Planning (FINPLN 4187) and Financial Planning: Employee Benefits and Retirement Planning (FINPLN 4386). They also study Money, Banking and Financial Markets (ECONOM 3229) and complete Community Agencies and Volunteerism (FINPLN 4188), connecting financial knowledge with community needs and practical client support.
Fourth Year: Students consolidate their expertise through Financial Planning: Estate and Gift Planning (FINPLN 4393), Assessing the American Dream (FINPLN 4380W) and Financial Planning: Capstone (FINPLN 4389). The capstone brings together financial planning techniques to develop comprehensive plans for individuals and families, while advanced electives strengthen their understanding of economic decision-making and professional practice.
Focus Areas
Personal and family finance, investment management, tax planning, risk management, insurance, retirement planning, estate and gift planning, financial counselling, financial education and client-focused financial planning.
Learning Outcomes
Develop comprehensive financial plans, evaluate investment options, analyse tax implications, assess insurance and financial risks, prepare retirement strategies, understand estate planning, apply financial planning software, communicate effectively with clients and make ethical financial recommendations.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
CFP examination preparation: The degree meets the educational requirements for students seeking to sit for the national Certified Financial Planner examination. Students must also satisfy the applicable examination, experience, ethics and other certification requirements.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Missouri's Personal Financial Planning program offers specialised preparation for careers serving individuals and families. Its curriculum combines financial planning, counselling, tax, investment and retirement topics. A specific employability ranking or program-level graduate employment rate is not stated in the official catalog.
The University of Missouri integrates practical financial planning with client-focused learning, technology applications and community engagement. Students learn to assess financial circumstances, develop strategies for individuals and families, and apply their knowledge to real-world financial challenges. The curriculum includes an internship option and a community-focused course, helping students connect financial expertise with professional practice.
Financial Planning: Computer Applications (FINPLN 3283): Develop practical skills using computer applications to support financial planning and analyse client information.
Community Agencies and Volunteerism (FINPLN 4188): Engage with community organisations and volunteer activities, exploring how financial knowledge can support individuals and families.
Internship in Personal Financial Planning (FINPLN 4993): Gain hands-on experience in a financial services setting. The course is restricted to Personal Financial Planning majors and requires instructor consent.
Financial Planning: Capstone (FINPLN 4389): Apply analytical skills and financial planning techniques to develop effective financial plans for individuals and families.
Investment and Risk Analysis: Study investment management, tax planning, insurance and risk management through specialised coursework.
Financial Counselling: Practise evaluating financial circumstances and understanding client needs, helping prepare for client-facing advisory roles.
Career Exploration (FINPLN 2083): Explore careers in financial planning and develop professional readiness through readings, discussions, activities and guest speakers.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Complement finance studies with courses in psychology, sociology, accounting, economics and business law to understand the broader factors influencing household financial decisions.
The Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning prepares students to help individuals and families manage money, build wealth and plan for major financial milestones. Graduates can explore opportunities in financial advisory services, banking, insurance, investment management and financial education. Potential career paths include personal financial advisor, financial planner, retirement planning specialist and investment advisor.
Career Development: The university's academic advising and career resources can help students explore career options, prepare for employment and plan their professional development.
Industry Experience: The internship course provides hands-on experience in a financial services setting, helping students connect their academic preparation with workplace responsibilities.
Professional Certification: The degree meets the educational requirements for sitting for the CFP® examination, providing a relevant academic pathway for students pursuing professional financial planning certification.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: A verified employment rate or salary figure specifically for Personal Financial Planning graduates is not stated in the official program catalog.
Professional Relevance: Coursework in taxation, investment management, risk management, retirement planning and estate planning supports preparation for client-focused financial services roles.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue work in financial planning, insurance, investments, banking, financial counselling and financial education. Actual job eligibility may depend on licensing, certification and employer requirements.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning at the University of Missouri or consider postgraduate study in finance, financial counselling, economics, business administration or related disciplines. The university also offers a Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning. Students interested in becoming certified financial planners should check the applicable CFP® certification requirements, while those seeking management or specialised advisory roles may benefit from further education and relevant professional experience.
US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Business-related applicants are assessed on academic performance, quantitative preparation, communication, initiative and evidence of engagement with organisations or economic issues. Mathematics is particularly important for Finance, Economics, Business Analytics and other quantitative programs. Entrepreneurship, business competitions, investment or economics clubs, internships, case studies, market research and community projects may strengthen the profile.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Personal Financial PlannerFinancial AdvisorWealth ManagerRetirement Planning SpecialistEstate Planning ConsultantInvestment AdvisorCredit CounselorTax Planning ConsultantFinancial CoachRisk Management ConsultantInsurance AdvisorFinancial Services Analyst
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