When are classes offered for the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

Since the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed as a full-time on-campus program, classes are offered on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday throughout the day. As a result, you could have classes in both the morning and afternoon/evening.

When can I take the CFP exam after graduating from the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

Upon graduation from the program, a student is eligible to register for the CFP exam.

Would additional CFP prep course be recommended prior to taking the CFP exam?

While not required, it is strongly recommended that students plan to purchase CFP exam preparation materials. The M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program covers the learning objectives as stipulated by the CFP Board of Standards. A study prep will prepare a student to successfully pass the exam.

Can I take longer than 2 semesters to complete the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program?

While the MS in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to be completed in two terms, there is flexibility to complete it over a longer time period. The program must be finished within three years. This flexibility can accommodate those who wish to continue working.

Are there any online class options for the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

The M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is on premise program meaning that all the classes are taught in person at our East Lansing, MI campus.

Are there any student organizations available through the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

There is a dedicated student group for those in the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program – the MSU Wealth Management Association (WMA). The WMA is dedicated to training and educating the next generation of financial advisors. The group hosts employers who provide insight on what a career in the wealth management and financial planning industry can look like while also offering internships and full-time jobs for our members.

Master’s in Financial Planning & Wealth Management

Transform your career in a single year.

As a financial advisor, you’ll do more than crunch numbers; you will be helping people make good decisions about their future. Whether it’s managing their investment portfolio, figuring out how to control their debt, navigating the complicated tax code or maximizing retirement income, people want an expert they can trust. It’s a role that requires not only technical knowledge, but also strong people skills, like communication, relationship management, listening and being empathetic.

The Broad Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to provide you with a solid understanding of the cutting-edge concepts and techniques you need to become that trusted advisor. You’ll gain the skills necessary to help meet the evolving needs of an increasingly diverse client base, from individuals to institutional clients like pension funds, foundations and businesses. As a registered CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) Program, you’ll be able take the CFP exam upon graduation, earning you the most widely recognized designation for financial advisors.

Program Information Sheet

On Campus

30 Credits

8 Months

Joining the small cohort of student in the MS of Financial Planning and Wealth Management program was one of the best decisions I made! It provided me with hands-on learning and taught me the importance of ethical decision making, and the fundamentals of financial planning. This program reshaped my perspective of financial advising and highlighted that earning your clients' trust and building lasting relationships is the most crucial part of the role.

ELLA KUBAS

M.S. in Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Class of 2024

Designed for those aiming to be a financial advisor

Recent college graduates with undergraduate degrees in the social sciences, humanities, comm arts, and business.
Professionals looking to transition into the wealth management industry.

The program offers numerous opportunities for internships and full jobs allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge a real-world settings. I can attest to the school's strong network of alumni and industry connections has opened doors for career opportunities that I might not have found otherwise.

Russell Dawson

M.S. in Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Class of 2023

Dive Deeper

Admission to the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is competitive and is based on the applicant’s overall record. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission.

Read more about the admission criteria, process, deadlines, and how to apply.

Learn More

Please email fpwm@broad.msu.edu with any questions regarding the Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program at Michigan State University.

Reach the program director of the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management, Stephen Schiestel, via email at schiestel@broad.msu.edu or by phone at (810) 516-3277.

The Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as a financial advisor. You’ll not only gain a strong understanding of how to analyze and recommend solutions to the many financial issues that people are faced with, but you’ll also learn the art of relationship management and how to meet the needs of a wide variety of clients.

The curriculum is focused on the core 6 classes that are required for the educational component of the CFP exam. Beyond those, the program is flexible and allows you to choose courses that will meet your unique professional goals.

Learn More

Tuition is billed in two equal installments at the beginning of each semester. Tuition for the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is currently $975 per credit hour and covers charges for credits and departmental fees.

Learn More

Prepare for the CFP Exam

The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is a professional designation awarded by the CFF Board of Standards. The designation is widely recognized in the professional planning community. Our graduates are positioned to succeed on the CFP exam as the curriculum is designed to cover the 72 learning objectives required by the board. As a registered CFP Program, students earning this degree will be able to take the CFP exam upon graduation.

Build a professional network

While competitive, the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is also very collegial. Students work collaboratively and help one another learn. Being part of such a close-knit community can make all the difference in your educational experience.

You’ll form relationships here that not only will enhance your career opportunities but will become lifelong friendships.

Let’s get started.

For additional details on the Broad Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program at MSU, complete our brief request form. We look forward to connecting.

Request Information Today

Frequently Asked Questions

When are classes offered for the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

Since the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed as a full-time on-campus program, classes are offered on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday throughout the day. As a result, you could have classes in both the morning and afternoon/evening.
When can I take the CFP exam after graduating from the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

Upon graduation from the program, a student is eligible to register for the CFP exam.
Would additional CFP prep course be recommended prior to taking the CFP exam?

While not required, it is strongly recommended that students plan to purchase CFP exam preparation materials. The M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program covers the learning objectives as stipulated by the CFP Board of Standards. A study prep will prepare a student to successfully pass the exam.
Can I take longer than 2 semesters to complete the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program?

While the MS in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to be completed in two terms, there is flexibility to complete it over a longer time period. The program must be finished within three years. This flexibility can accommodate those who wish to continue working.
Are there any online class options for the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

The M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is on premise program meaning that all the classes are taught in person at our East Lansing, MI campus.
Is the Master’s In Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program STEM certified?

No.
Are there any student organizations available through the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

There is a dedicated student group for those in the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program – the MSU Wealth Management Association (WMA). The WMA is dedicated to training and educating the next generation of financial advisors. The group hosts employers who provide insight on what a career in the wealth management and financial planning industry can look like while also offering internships and full-time jobs for our members.