Financial planners help companies and individuals make investments and manage portfolios. Learn more about an MBA degree program with a concentration in financial planning, including the kinds of classes these programs offer and distance learning options.
What is a Financial Planning (MBA) Degree Program?
A financial planning degree program is often offered as a concentration with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. An MBA program is an advanced degree path that could prepare you for an executive position with a company or as an independent financial planner. A concentration in financial planning will give you an in-depth study of investments, portfolio management and risk management.
Degree programs vary in length, but you can expect them to take two years to complete. Upon graduation, you may provide financial counseling to businesses and individuals.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree, related coursework, industry experience often preferred</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Tax law, business ethics, global business theory</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>Fully available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary</b></td><td> $89,330 (personal financial advisors, 2020)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook</b></td><td> 4% increase (for personal financial advisors projected from 2019 to 2029)*</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---HowCanIPrepareForAdmission">How Can I Prepare for Admission?</h3><p>MBA programs require that you have a bachelor's degree prior to enrolling in the program. Your bachelor's degree does not have to be in business; however, if you are lacking undergraduate-level courses in accounting, management, economics and statistics, programs may require that you complete them before beginning advanced business classes. Some programs may even prefer applicants who have some experience in a business or financial environment.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCouldILearn">What Could I Learn?</h3><p>Your core classes for the MBA program may include business management, marketing, economics, small business and entrepreneurship, tax laws, business ethics and global business theories. In these classes, you should learn how to effectively manage a business and understand financial risks.
</p><p>For your concentration in financial planning, you may gain a more thorough education in the area of finances. For example, you may learn how to offer retirement planning advice, counseling for wealth management, calculate investment risks and manage large estates.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnItOnline">Can I Earn it Online?</h3><p>Master's degree program in business administration are among the most common advanced degree programs offered online. Programs with a concentration in financial planning are available. Some programs may have residency or software requirements. It's essential that you check with your prospective school to become aware of the technical requirements before enrolling.</p>
