Skip to main content

Choose your path:

Online On Campus

On-Campus Bachelor's Degree of Financial Planning

Focus your business degree on certified financial planning and investments and become a financial advisor
Summer term classes start in June.

Connect in person with faculty and peers.

Earn your degree on your schedule

$339 per credit hour.

$250 military preferred cost per credit

127 total credit hours.

Turn Your Passion for Finance into a Career Helping Others Succeed

The Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning is designed for students who want to combine financial expertise with a people-first approach to advising. This comprehensive program covers personal finance, investment planning, tax strategies, retirement planning, and risk management—providing a strong foundation in both theory and application. Students learn to develop personalized financial plans that help individuals and families achieve their goals. As a CFP Board Registered Program and an AFCPE Registered Education Program, Bellevue University’s Financial Planning degree meets rigorous industry standards and prepares you to make a meaningful impact as a trusted financial advisor.

Build Knowledge That Opens Doors in the Financial Services Industry

With a degree in financial planning, you’ll gain the skills needed to pursue diverse and rewarding career paths in finance. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Certified Financial Planner or Advisor, Wealth Manager, Investment Advisor, Retirement Specialist, or Financial Consultant. You’ll strengthen your understanding of accounting, economics, and financial decision-making, while gaining experience in investment analysis, estate and retirement planning, and portfolio management through real-world simulations. As demand for qualified financial professionals continues to grow, this degree provides the foundation for long-term career advancement in a dynamic industry.

Prepare for Industry Certifications That Strengthen Your Credentials

Throughout the program, coursework is aligned with the requirements for several leading certifications, including the AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), and SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) examinations. By completing the program, you’ll be academically prepared to sit for these exams and meet the certification standards recognized across the financial services industry. In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills essential for building client trust, providing sound guidance, and advancing as a financial professional.

what you'll learn.

In this program, you’ll learn to apply financial planning principles to real-world situations—building the expertise to guide clients, manage investments, and prepare for industry certifications.

upon graduation, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate preparedness to sit for the SIE (Securities Investment Essentials) examination.
  • Apply valuation analysis to investment planning through stock market portfolio simulation.
  • Create a customized financial plan based on unique background.
  • Demonstrate preparedness to sit for the AFC (Accrediting Financial Counselor) certification program.
  • Demonstrate preparedness to sit for the CFP (Certified Financial Planning) certification program.
Take the next step to advance your career.

Awards

Accreditation image 1
Accreditation image 2
Accreditation image 3
Accreditation image 4
Bellevue Stories
What do you do after you achieve your dream and become rich? Stay rich!
Dishant Pandya, Program Director

Financial Planning degree courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Requirements (48 credit hours)

Program Foundation (12 credit hours to complete as early in the program as possible.)

This course is a functional approach to Algebra that incorporates the use of appropriate technology. Emphasis will be placed on the study of functions and their graphs including linear, quadratic, piecewise, rational, exponential and logarithmic, systems of equations and inequalities and matrices. Real world applications of each will be emphasized. Prerequisite: MA 101 or placement via ALEKS Placement Exam

This course provides the theoretical basis and problem-solving experience needed to apply the techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyze quantitative data, and to improve decision making over a wide range of areas. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, linear regression, data gathering methodologies and probability, as well as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one and two samples. Use of technology in solving and interpreting statistical problems is emphasized. Prerequisite: MA 101 or placement via ALEKS Placement Assessment

This course is designed for College of Business students who have basic file management and office software skills. Course projects are designed for business problem solving and include document management, using spreadsheets for information processing, design and management of personal databases for automated data management, presentation, and integrating business communications. Recommend prior computer knowledge.

Choose one of the following two options:

EN 321 takes a broad and inclusive approach to workforce communication, examining the best practices of business writing, oral and online presentations, and professional research. Prerequisites: EN 101 and EN 102, Junior or Senior standing

Students will learn how to apply the foundational information learned in CA 105. This course provides theory and practice of written skills needed in business through models, concepts, and case studies relevant to the workplace, while addressing business ethics and diversity issues. Competencies in the areas of writing, organization of thought, creativity, and decision-making are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 105

Financial Planning Major Requirements (36 credit hours)

This course is an introduction to accounting concepts and the elements of financial statements including basic accounting vocabulary and analysis of business transactions from an accounting viewpoint. Students will be required to recognize, record, and classify new accounting data. Emphasis is placed on corporate accounting. Introductory financial statement analysis and interpretation are also covered. Prerequisite: none

Managerial accounting is designed to introduce the fundamentals of managerial accounting to both accounting and non-accounting majors. It covers accounting and management decision making in both short-term and long-term strategic situations. Students will be expected to explain and apply accounting concepts including basic costing and processes, cost classifications, responsibility accounting and ethical behavior of the managerial accountant. Prerequisite: AC 205

This course focuses on federal income tax provisions and procedures used to compute tax liability for individuals. Included in the course are the concepts of income tax determination, problems of computing gross income, deductions and losses, tax credits, capital gains and losses, tax liability, and preparation of tax returns. Students will be expected to prepare basic tax forms and research tax issues using appropriate research materials. Prerequisite: AC 206

Students evaluate and determine appropriate goals of individuals relative to their life cycle and acquire knowledge of key financial concepts and related products that can be applied to optimize personal financial wellbeing. Specific elements of the course include goal making, financial record keeping, and managing decisions associated with credit, taxation, insurance, investments, and estate management.

This course covers the basic principles, techniques, and institutional aspects of financial management in order to provide students applications of finance content similar to those encountered in a finance career. Topics include financial markets and environment, time value of money, bond and stock valuation, risk and return, financial statement ratio analysis, capital budgeting, financial planning and control, capital structure, dividend policy, and other fundamental finance issues. Prerequisites: AC 206, MA 215, and MA 102 or MA 120

This course includes fundamental principles and practices of risk management and insurance with an applied focus on risk management processes as well as institutional and contractual details of the insurance industry. Topics include risk identification; risk characterization; pricing of risk reduction techniques; risk retention; regulatory, legal and tax implications; insurance; and other hedging strategies. Additionally, personal, business, and public policy perspectives concerning life, health, property, and liability risk management and insurance are addressed. Prerequisite: BA 312

Investment principles and practices are studied in the context of individuals or organizations operating in well-developed financial markets. The course will integrate accepted economic relationships and practices to provide students with an understanding of the current investment environment. Additionally, the course will survey the institutions and securities that make up the investment environment. Students will have an opportunity to understand and experience how individuals trade financial instruments, including stocks, options, bonds, futures, and other derivative securities. Prerequisite: BA 312

This course is a study of the behavior of the macroeconomy, including the causes and consequences of inflation, unemployment, and the business cycle. Monetary, fiscal, and “supply side” policies for dealing with macroeconomic problems are examined. Prerequisites: Basic college level ability in English, logic, and mathematics

This course provides an introduction to the area of Microeconomics. This introduction assists students in achieving a practical understanding and ability to apply economic concepts, theories, and practices relevant to the understanding of our economy. The course investigates the economic behavior of consumers, businesses and government. Emphasis is placed on price and output determination under various market structures and on the entrepreneurial competitive process. Prerequisites: Basic college level ability in English, logic, and mathematics

This course has two main objectives. First, students study about people's attitudes, values, and biases to analyze sources of money conflict. Students also learn about sources of effective communication processes to provide financial counseling and manage economic crisis events. Second, this course provides an introduction of the operations of financial markets, as well as the evolving regulatory framework within which these markets operate. Prerequisite: BA 110

The goal of this course is for students to learn how to prepare for post-working life. Students design a retirement plan that will meet a client's needs from a tax, retirement, and financial planning standpoint. Students also survey estate and gift tax planning, the unified estate and gift tax system, and the transfer of property through trusts and wills. Prerequisite: BA 312

Students apply the financial planning process by considering the ethical, legal, and regulatory environment; appropriate communication; the standards of professional conduct; and other topics of relevance in financial planning and decision making. Students integrate employee benefits and retirement planning, investments, risk management and insurance, income taxes, and estate planning into a comprehensive financial plan. Prerequisite: AC 331, FP 401, BA 402, BA 416A, FP 419

Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)

In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series.

This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

37
48
42

Integrative General Education Credits

Major Requirements Credits

Elective Credits

= 127 total credits*

General Education Courses

Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.

About general education requirements >
Elective Courses

Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

Accreditation Information

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

learn, connect, and thrive on campus.

Get the full college experience with in-person classes that fit your schedule. At our main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, you’ll learn in a traditional classroom setting with expert professors, hands-on collaboration, and real connections with classmates. Plus, with flexible class times, you’ll have time to focus on your studies while still enjoying everything campus life has to offer.
Vibrant campus life

Make the most of your time on campus with student organizations, athletic events, and a tight-knit community that makes learning even more rewarding.

A true classroom experience

Engage in face-to-face learning with live lectures, interactive discussions, and real-time feedback from professors who are invested in your success.

Support every step of the way

From academic advising to career services, you’ll have a network of support to help you thrive.

State-of-the-art facilities

Access modern classrooms, study spaces, and hands-on learning environments designed to prepare you for the real world.

Prefer to learn Online?

nonprofit with national recognition

Whether you’re preparing for your next promotion or changing careers to better support your family, we offer more than 80 career-focused programs with 100% online and flexible learning options tailored to your needs.

National recognition logo 1
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll Seal
National recognition logo 3
2024 Best Colleges For Vets Badge - Military Times Award

grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.

Learn from experienced educators who have established careers across diverse fields of study. Our instructors have worked with both prominent institutions and innovative organizations from around the world. Through their expertise, students will gain valuable insights and develop essential concepts and skills in their area of study.

FAQs

Explore our most commonly asked questions.

Get in touch with us

ready to learn more?

let's talk.

explore more.

Enhance your major with a complementary minor, or explore related degrees that align with your interests.

Related Programs

Certificate

People and Business Leadership
Online
  • 8 Credit Hours

Build the essential management and leadership skills frontline supervisors need to lead with confidence, apply real-world business strategies, and develop themselves and others.

Master's

Organizational Leadership
On-Campus
  • 36 Credit Hours

Learn how to diagnose leadership challenges and develop the skills to apply contemporary leadership theories and ethical practices for individual, group, and organizational effectiveness.

Certificate

Business Communication
Online
  • 12 Credit Hours

Build confidence as a communicator—learn to write, speak, and connect effectively across diverse audiences and digital platforms to enhance your professional impact.

explore stories and resources.

No articles available. Please add articles to this section. (up to 6)