Financial Planning
A degree in Financial Planning provides a strong foundation in personal finance, investments, taxation, and financial analysis. You will graduate equipped to guide clients through critical milestones—from retirement and education planning to wealth preservation and employee benefits. Skilled financial planners who can analyze data, anticipate future needs, and deliver comprehensive, ethical advice are increasingly in demand.
Why Study Financial Planning at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business?
Our Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Board Approved Financial Planning major prepares you to become a trusted financial planner. You’ll build the skills to guide individuals, families, and small businesses through major life decisions, making a real difference while building a rewarding career. The curriculum covers investment strategy, retirement and estate planning, tax and risk management, and more—all with a hands-on, real-world focus. Plus, you’ll be eligible to sit for the CFP® exam, the gold standard in wealth management. With demand for financial planners on the rise, there’s never been a better time to turn your business degree into a purpose-driven profession.
Discover Duquesne’s Distinctive Educational Experience
Finance majors gain access to real-world tools, investment experience, and industry connections that set them apart. From managing live portfolios through the Student Managed Investment Funds to mastering Bloomberg Terminals in the Investment Strategy Institute, you’ll develop the skills top employers seek. At Duquesne, you will have access to:
- Investment Strategy Institute (ISI): Receive direct access to 24+ Bloomberg Terminals, Wharton Research Data Services, and other leading financial databases. The ISI is your hub for mastering the tools used on Wall Street—live market data, deep-dive research, and other high-powered analytics, all in one space designed to launch your finance career.
- Student Managed Investment Funds (SMIF): Step into the role of a portfolio manager through Duquesne’s SMIF Program. Make data-driven investment decisions, sharpen your analytical skills, and build a strong resume for careers in finance, investment, and wealth management.
- Asset Management Group @ Duquesne (DAMG): Join a vibrant community of future finance leaders. DAMG connects you with guest speakers, alumni, and recruiters—while helping you prep for internships, job interviews, and life in the fast-paced finance world. Plus, you’ll gain hands-on Bloomberg experience. Additional professional and personal development opportunities are available to students who join the Financial Management Association.
Program Information
Students will become a trusted financial planner and are eligible to sit for the CFP® exam, the gold standard in wealth management.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Degree
Bachelor's
Duration
8 Semesters
Required Credit Hours
Minimum of 120
Career Opportunities
Financial Planning as a Second Major or Minor
CFP® Board Certification Exam
Financial Planning provides both the academic foundation to sit for the CFP® Board Certification Exam and starts you on the path of fulfilling CFP® experience requirements through internships supported by our strong industry connections.
The Student Managed Investment Funds (SMIF) Program at Duquesne provides you with a compelling experience in money management and contributes
to your preparation for successful careers in finance and investment management. You
will learn to make evidence-based decisions investing in financial markets, which
will enable you to leverage the experience in interviews for internship and career
opportunities. The SMIF Program comprises three fund initiatives:
For more information, call Jennifer Milcarek at (412) 396-5642.
To complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, students must complete
a minimum of 120 credits. All Financial Planning majors are required to take: The Financial Planning minor does not meet the educational requirements to sit for the CFP® exam.
Student Managed Investment Funds
The DVF is a long-only fund that invests primarily in large-cap stocks selected on
the basis of fundamental analysis and Spiritan values. The benchmark for the DVF is
the iShares KLD 400 Social ETF (Symbol: DSI). Fund value approximately $1.4 million.
The DBF is an asset allocation fund that invests in ETFs for exposure across stocks,
bonds and cash. The benchmark for DBF is a 70/30 allocation to stocks and bonds accomplished
with the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (Symbol: IVV) and the iShares Core Aggregate Bond
ETF (Symbol: AGG). Fund value approximately $188,000.
The DMF is a long-only fund that invests primarily in micro-cap stocks selected on
the basis of quantitative factors. The benchmark for the DMF is the iShares Microcap
ETF (Symbol: IWC). Fund value approximately $121,000.
Contact Us
Curriculum
Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for more information.