Financial Planning and Counseling
Emphases: Financial Planning
Courses
Getting Started
- Meet with your advisor
- Start with some of your core requirements by taking FCS1500 or 2400
- Learn more about Famliy and Consumer Studies by taking FCS3010
Making Progress
- Visit the catalog to see what Financial Planning and Counseling electives are available
- Continue to complete core requirements by taking FCS3500, 3200, 3210
- Start taking courses to fulfill the Financial Planning and Counseling Electives
- Take courses to fulfill the Financial Planning and Counseling core classes
Finishing Up
- Finish up on any remaining Financial Planning and Counseling core courses and electives
- Complete the FPC Capstone for the FPC emphasis
- Check your degree audit and meet with your advisor
Community
Getting Started
- Visit the Financial Wellness Center
- Attend events from the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the Get Involved Fair to learn about student groups
- Meet with an Involvement Ambassador and join at least one student group
Making Progress
- Consider an internship with the Financial Wellness Center or other off campus companies.
- Join a student group on campus
- Attend events from the Department of Family & Consumer Studies
- Meet with faculty during faculty office hours and get to know them better. Faculty are great mentors for your educational and career pathways
- Consider a leadership role within a student group to develop leadership experience
- Attend or create a study group with your peers
Finishing Up
- Investigate Financial Planning residency programs
- Join the Alumni Association to stay connected to the U and give back
- Email your favorite FPC instructor or advisor and let them know what you are doing
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
- Consider a second major, minor, or certificate; attend major exploration events
- Use the degree audit system regularly to track your progress
- Utilize support resources like the Marriott Library’s Knowledge Commons, the Writing Center, and Learning Center
Making Progress
- Choose electives that align with potential career paths
- Explore research opportunities through OUR, and attend its Education Series
- Explore internship opportunities at the Financial Wellness Center, Hinckley Institute, or CSBS Internships
Finishing Up
- Create an ePortfolio and CV to showcase and archive your most significant learning as an undergraduate student
Transformation
Getting Started
- Identify FPC courses that interest you and meet with an advisor to explore your interests
- Explore programs like Solution Scholars, Bennion Center Scholars, and Learning Abroad to engage and make connections
Making Progress
- Create a four-year roadmap to customize and to complete a degree, and adjust as needed
- Apply for an award or scholarship through CSBS or the FCS department
- Schedule an appointment with a coach from the Financial Wellness Center for help budgeting while you’re in school
- Conduct research with a faculty mentor; apply for an award through UROP
Finishing Up
- Complete pre-professional requirements (leadership, research, community service, etc.)
- Participate in commencement and convocation ceremonies to celebrate completing your undergraduate degree
Impact
Getting Started
- Consider taking a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) course
- Participate in a Legacy of Lowell service day hosted by the Bennion Center
Making Progress
- Apply to be an ambassador or join a Student Group and cultivate a stronger sense of community within the FCS Department
- Apply to be a CSBS Ambassador, a peer mentor, or Solutions Scholar
- Volunteer in the community with organizations that align with your personal or professional interests
- Go on a Spring or Fall Alternative Break trip
Finishing Up
- Present or publish your research (independently or with a faculty mentor)
- Write a capstone project or honors thesis based on your CEL, learning abroad, or internship experiences
Careers
Getting Started
- Meet with your career coach through U Career Success to identify your professional interests
- Consider taking a career exploration course such as SBS 2700
- Create LinkedIn and Handshake profiles
Making Progress
- Draft a resume and continue to update it throughout your educational journey
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals to explore career possibilities
- Complete a local, national, or international internship through the Hinckley Institute or through CSBS Internships to learn to apply your education
- Attend Career Fairs hosted by U Career Success to make connections with future employers
Finishing Up
- Meet with a career coach to practice interviewing and salary negotiation
- Apply for grad school and start considering job options at least 6 months before graduation
- Visit the Financial Wellness Center and create a budget for after graduation
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
The Financial Planning and Counseling Major program focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance, investment strategies, risk management, retirement and estate planning, tax planning, and other relevant topics. Students will learn about ethical standards and regulations that govern the financial planning industry.
A major in financial planning and counseling equips students with the necessary tools to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions. It prepares students for careers as financial planners, wealth managers, financial counselors, or advisors working in various settings such as financial planning firms, banks, insurance companies, or as independent consultants.
Throughout the program, students may have opportunities for internships or practical experiences to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. They are encouraged to pursue certifications as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) and/or as an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC).
Learning Outcomes
· General Financial Planning & Counseling Principles
· Professional Conduct and regulations
· Psychology of Financial Planning & Counseling
· Financial Planning Emphasis:
o Investment Planning
o Retirement savings
o Risk management and insurance
o Personal tax
o Estate Planning
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.