Online B.S. in Financial Planning and Counseling
Guide others toward financial stability.
From personal finance and investment strategies to understanding the psychology behind financial decisions, the University of Utah’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Financial Planning and Counseling (FPC) degree program positions you to help individuals navigate their financial journeys.
Credits Required
What Does It Cost
$520/credit*
*Subject to change without notice
Tuition Estimator
Learning Format
Start Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Why Choose UOnline’s Bachelor’s in Financial Planning and Counseling?
The financial planning and counseling degree program with UOnline introduces you to the fundamentals of personal finance, covering key topics like budgeting, investing, managing credit and debt, financial products, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. You also explore financial systems and have the opportunity to take specialized courses like financial counseling, family dynamics, and mediation.
The curriculum goes beyond just crunching numbers. It’s designed to help you understand the people behind those numbers, teaching you how to connect with clients and guide them toward smart financial decisions. Whether you're in a classroom or out in the field completing an internship, you can see firsthand how your knowledge can make a real difference. These practical experiences aren’t just valuable for developing skills—they also allow you to build your confidence and prepare you to work effectively in the real world.
UOnline’s flexible curriculum lets you choose electives that match your career goals or follow a set path toward certifications as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) and/or an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC). If you pursue the financial planning emphasis, you will meet the educational requirements to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination, a credential highly valued by employers. This certification can significantly boost your career prospects in a field that’s in high demand.
Application Deadlines
With multiple start dates to choose from, you can apply to UOnline’s financial counseling degree program when the time is right for you.
Any Semester Admission
You can start your online financial planning degree program in the fall, spring, or summer. Submit your application by April 1 for fall, Nov. 1 for spring, or March 1 for summer.
Financial Planning and Counseling Overview
At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.
Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:
- Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
- Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
- Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.
Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:
- Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
- Participate in and guide online discussions.
- Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
- Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.
Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and Counseling and minor in Financial Planning and Counseling from the College of Social and Behavioral Science.
All of the courses at the university, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members.
Financial Planning and Counseling Major
To graduate with a bachelor’s in financial planning and counseling degree, students must complete 122 credit hours. This includes general education, university requirements, and 46 credits specific to the major: 34 credits in financial planning and counseling and 12 allied credits from designated departments outside of economics. Most students transferring in with previous college coursework have already fulfilled the allied credits requirement.
The purpose of allied coursework is to broaden the educational knowledge for FPC majors in areas like communication, business, management, political science, and more. Students must earn a C- or better for an allied course to count. The allied coursework requirement is waived if a student completes a second major, minor, or certificate from another department.
For full-time students taking four major courses per semester, the online financial planning major requirements can be completed in four semesters, but part-time study is also available. We recommend starting in the spring or summer semesters for the best course sequencing.
Note: Students who successfully complete FCS 3420, FCS 3500, FCS 3520, and one of the following: FCS 3510, FCS 5510, 5520, 5530, or 5540 can sit for the AFCPE® Exam at a discounted fee. The AFCPE® exam is required to become an Accredited Financial Counselor®.
view major curriculum & requirements
Financial Planning Emphasis
Students have the option to select the financial planning emphasis in their online financial counseling degree program, adding valuable skills in:
- Estate Planning
- Investment Planning
- Personal Taxation
- Retirement Savings
- Risk Management and Insurance
This emphasis requires 47 credit hours, with 41 credits in FPC courses and six allied credits from other departments. As with the major, most students transferring in with prior coursework often fulfill the allied credit requirement.
Our financial planning emphasis meets specific criteria set by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards for those who wish to fulfill the education component for CFP® Certification and sit for the CFP® Examination. Completing the education and examination components fulfills two of the four core prerequisites to obtain CFP® Certification.
Financial Planning and Counseling Minor
The financial planning and counseling minor requires 16 credit hours, including six credits in FPC courses and 10 elective credits.
The cost of tuition for the online financial counseling degree program is $520 per credit hour and is subject to change. Use the tuition calculator to estimate your costs. Departmental scholarships are available for FPC majors.
Tuition does not include additional fees, such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program.
Review UOnline's pricing, scholarships, and financial aid.
Note: New students beginning their studies with UOnline in fall 2024 may be eligible for university employee tuition reductions in certain cases. Email us at uonline@utah.edu to find out if you qualify.
Apply to the online financial planning degree program by submitting a University of Utah application. There are no additional applications, specific admission requirements, or prerequisites.
Career Outcomes
A bachelor’s in financial planning and counseling prepares you for a growing field where you can make a meaningful difference by helping individuals and families achieve financial stability. As a CFP® professional, you can work at large financial, boutique, and insurance companies or even start your own practice.
Your expertise will position you to become a trusted advisor, guiding clients through complex financial decisions and helping them reach their long-term goals. Whether it’s retirement planning, managing debt, or developing an investment strategy, your role as a financial professional can have a lasting impact on the financial well-being of others.
See more information on career options.
Potential Roles
If you don’t choose to pursue a CFP® certification, the online financial counseling degree program still opens doors to a variety of career paths, such as:
- Financial Counselor
- Financial Planner
- Independent Consultant
- Wealth Manager
You may also work as an advisor in settings like:
- Banks or Credit Unions
- Customer Relations
- Financial Literacy
- Financial Planning Firms
- Higher Education Financial Aid
- Housing Counseling
- Human Resources
- Insurance Companies
- Real Estate
- Tax Counseling
Further Your Education
Graduates can continue their education with a graduate degree program in business, public administration, public policy, or other related fields. A master’s degree can enhance your earning potential and opportunities for career advancement.
$156,100
Median Annual Wage
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers earned a median annual salary of $156,100 in 2023.
17%
Expected Growth
The BLS expects financial manager positions to increase by 17% over the next nine years.
75,100
Job Openings
Through 2033, the BLS anticipates 75,100 financial manager job openings.
Department Contact
Want to know more? We’re here to answer your questions about the online bachelor’s in financial planning and counseling degree program at the University of Utah.
Danielle Willardsen
Department Coordinator