Bachelor of Science in Business • Minor
Financial Planning
A Financial Planning degree equips you to become a trusted financial professional who helps clients navigate life’s biggest financial decisions. You’ll complete the education necessary to sit for the CFP® exam and graduate ready for careers in financial advising, wealth management, and risk planning.
Dig Deeper Into the program
Explore how coursework, practical experiences, and industry-aligned training build the strategic and ethical financial planning skills modern employers and clients demand.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelors and minor
Start Terms
- Fall or Spring
Program Format
- On-campus
- Select classes available online to provide added flexibility for students
Credit Hours & Timeline
- Total credits required: 120
- Typical completion time: 4 years
- Credits for minor: 18
Curriculum Highlights
- Financial planning principles and comprehensive financial strategy coursework
- Investment planning and risk management classes designed for CFP exam alignment
- Retirement, tax, and estate planning courses that deepen professional expertise
- Internship and applied experiences that connect learning to real-world financial advising
Applicants for admission are evaluated based on the following criteria to gain full admission.
- High school record of cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant for a degree program must have graduated or will have graduated with 16 high school units from an accredited high school. The college preparatory program is strongly recommended to high school students. Ordinarily this program includes four years of English and two years of social studies, science, and mathematics.
- College/university record of cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applicable.
Applicants who do not meet the following criteria and show potential for success may be reviewed for an alternate admissions pathway.
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Test (GED) and have not accumulated at least 12 collegiate level semester hours credit at a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or better will follow the Alternate Admissions Pathway.
Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.
The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Why Choose CSM?
Strategic Financial Expertise
Build in-demand financial planning, investment, and risk assessment skills that position you for strong career pathways and client trust.
Real-World Preparation
Applied coursework and internships connect classroom learning to real financial advising and wealth management practice.
Women-Centered Professional Growth
In a supportive women’s college environment, small classes and mentorship help you build confidence and leadership in finance.
Mercy-Grounded Ethics
Through the Mercy Core curriculum, you strengthen ethical judgment and social responsibility essential for trusted financial stewardship.
Tuition & Aid
Investing in your education is a big decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Every admitted full-time undergraduate student is guaranteed a merit scholarship, and CSM offers additional aid and personalized guidance to make your degree attainable. Our team will walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Financial Planning Careers
- Financial advisor
- Wealth management associate
- Investment analyst
- Retirement planning specialist
- Risk management consultant
- Personal banker
- Portfolio manager

Business By The Numbers
15 MAJORS
Offered within the Business program
Students can tailor their education to their interests and goals, exploring new areas and graduating with skills aligned to today’s business landscape.
100% of STUDENTS
Get hands-on experience through internships
Students gain practical experience, valuable professional connections, and the confidence to transition smoothly and successfully from college to career.
?% of Graduates
Have jobs within six months of graduation
Students can have confidence that their degree leads to real opportunity, strong career placement, and a meaningful start in their chosen profession..
Our Students In Action









Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
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Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.


