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.

Can I take more than two semesters to complete the financial planning and wealth management graduate program?

While the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to be completed in two terms, there is flexibility to complete it over a longer 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 Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management is an on-premises program, meaning all classes are taught in person at our East Lansing, Michigan, campus.

Are any student organizations available through the financial planning and wealth management master’s 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 regularly hosts industry leaders who share insights into wealth management and financial planning careers while connecting members with internship and full-time job opportunities.

Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management

Q: Are additional prep courses recommended prior to taking the CFP® exam?

While not required, it is strongly recommended that students plan to purchase CFP® exam preparation materials. Our master’s degree in financial planning and wealth management covers the learning objectives as stipulated by the CFP Board. A study prep will prepare a student to successfully pass the exam.

Q: Is the master’s in financial planning and wealth management program STEM certified?

No, the degree in financial planning and wealth management is not a STEM-certified program.

Transform your career in one year and gain the expertise to become a CFP® professional.

As a financial advisor, you’ll do more than crunch numbers—you’ll help people make informed decisions about their futures. Whether it’s managing investment portfolios, reducing debt, navigating complex tax codes or maximizing retirement income, individuals and businesses want experts they can trust. This role requires a unique combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills, such as communication, relationship management and empathy.

The Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business provides a strong foundation in cutting-edge financial strategies and techniques, giving you the expertise needed to become a trusted advisor. Our flexible financial planning and wealth management courses immerse you in hands-on learning with industry-leading software such as Bloomberg, MoneyGuidePro and eMoney, the same tools used by top financial professionals.

As a graduate of our CFP Board Registered Program, you’ll be prepared to serve a diverse client base, from individuals to institutional clients like pension funds and foundations. You’ll also be eligible to sit for the CFP® exam—an essential step toward earning CFP® certification, the most widely recognized certification 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

A Master’s Degree Designed for Future Financial Advisors

Our financial planning and wealth management graduate program is ideal for:

Recent college graduates with undergraduate degrees in social sciences, humanities, communications or business.
Career changers looking to enter the wealth management industry.
Professionals who are passionate about helping others achieve their financial goals.
Individuals looking to grow their professional network and gain real-world experience through internships and hands-on training.

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 Michigan State University’s financial planning and wealth management master’s degree program is competitive and based on the applicant’s academic background, professional experience and personal qualifications. Although the applicant’s overall record is considered in the decision process, meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission.

Read more about admission criteria, the application process, deadlines and how to apply to our financial planning and wealth management graduate program.

Learn More

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. Course topics include investment planning, estate and income tax strategies, retirement planning, risk management and more, equipping you with expertise to navigate complex financial landscapes.

Our financial planning and wealth management graduate program not only provides a strong understanding of how to analyze and recommend solutions to the many financial issues that people face, but it also emphasizes the art of relationship management and how to meet the needs of a wide variety of clients.

The curriculum focuses on the core six classes required for the educational component of the CFP® exam. Beyond those, the program is flexible, allowing you to choose the financial planning and wealth management courses that align with your unique professional goals.

Learn More

Graduates of the master’s degree in financial planning and wealth management program are well-prepared for a broad array of careers in financial advising, wealth management, investment analysis and related fields. Our alumni have gone on to work at top firms, including Plante Moran, JP Morgan Private Bank, Vanguard, Amerprise, UBS, Ritholtz Wealth Management and SGH Wealth Management.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job opportunities for personal financial advisors to grow 17% over the next decade—far outpacing the average for all occupations. While earnings vary by location, expertise and other factors, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,580 for financial advisors in 2023.

Prepare to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

CFP® certification is awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. and is widely recognized in the professional planning community. Our M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to cover all 70 learning objectives required by the CFP Board. This comprehensive curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on the CFP® exam, which you’ll be eligible to sit for upon graduation.

Build a professional network

With a reputation for academic excellence and strong industry connections, the Broad College of Business consistently ranks among the best business schools in Michigan and the nation. While competitive, our financial planning and wealth management program fosters a collaborative, close-knit community where students support one another in the classroom and beyond. At Broad, you’ll build relationships that enhance your career opportunities and become lifelong friendships.

Your future in financial planning starts at Broad.

Our master’s degree in financial planning and wealth management opens doors to rewarding careers in financial advising, estate planning, risk management and other in-demand roles. Complete our brief request form to learn more, or apply today to take the first step toward becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

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