Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) – Financial Planning
Develop the expertise to help individuals and families manage wealth, achieve financial goals, and succeed in financial planning and wealth management.
Turn financial expertise into a
career helping others succeed.
Financial decisions have become increasingly complex, creating demand for professionals who can provide trusted guidance on investments, retirement, insurance, taxes, and wealth management. West Liberty University’s Financial Planning concentration prepares students to develop comprehensive financial strategies, build meaningful client relationships, and pursue professional opportunities in one of the fastest-growing areas of business and finance.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Total Credits: 120 Credit Hours
Outcome: Preparation for careers in financial planning, wealth management, banking, investment services, and financial advising
Format: Primarily On-Campus with select General Education and Business Core courses available online
Program
Overview
The Financial Planning concentration prepares students to help clients make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term financial goals. Through coursework aligned with CFP® Board educational requirements, students develop the analytical, ethical, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed as trusted financial professionals in a dynamic and evolving industry.
Who This
Program Is For
Future Financial Advisors
Students who want to help individuals and families manage finances, build wealth, and achieve financial independence through professional guidance and planning.
Investment & Wealth Management Enthusiasts
Individuals interested in financial markets, portfolio management, investment analysis, and long-term wealth creation strategies.
Relationship-Oriented Professionals
Students who enjoy building trust, communicating complex concepts clearly, and working closely with clients to achieve personal and financial goals.
Ethical Financial Leaders
Individuals committed to serving clients responsibly while maintaining professional integrity and fiduciary standards.
Future Finance Professionals
Students seeking strong career growth potential within financial planning, banking, insurance, retirement services, and investment advisory professions.
What
You’ll Learn
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of personal financial planning and develop the technical knowledge, ethical foundation, and communication skills required to help clients make informed financial decisions throughout every stage of life.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
- Integrate investments, retirement, insurance, tax, and estate planning into client-focused strategies
- Develop comprehensive financial plans that align with client goals
- Evaluate risk factors and financial opportunities
Investment & Wealth Management
- Analyze financial markets and investment alternatives
- Apply portfolio construction and asset allocation principles
- Evaluate risk-return relationships and investment performance
Professional Ethics & Client Advising
- Apply CFP® ethical standards and fiduciary responsibilities
- Communicate financial recommendations effectively
- Build long-term professional client relationships
Curriculum
Overview
The Financial Planning curriculum combines foundational business education, finance coursework, and specialized financial planning studies aligned with CFP® Board educational standards. Students develop expertise in financial analysis, investment management, retirement planning, taxation, insurance, estate planning, and client advisory services.
Program Structure
- General Education Foundation – Communication, critical thinking, mathematics, and analytical reasoning.
- Business Core Curriculum – Accounting, economics, management, marketing, finance, statistics, and business communication.
- Financial Planning Coursework – Investments, portfolio analysis, retirement planning, insurance planning, taxation, estate planning, wealth management, and financial planning ethics.
- Applied Learning Experiences – Case studies, financial planning projects, and client-focused scenarios that build professional advisory skills.
Required Prerequisites Include:
- No program-specific prerequisite coursework beyond university admission requirements.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet West Liberty University’s general undergraduate admission requirements. Once admitted, students may declare Financial Planning as their concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for careers across financial planning, wealth management, banking, insurance, investment services, and client advisory professions. The program provides a strong academic foundation for pursuing CFP® certification and advancing into leadership opportunities throughout the financial services industry.
- Financial Planner / Financial Advisor
- Wealth Management Associate
- Investment Advisor Representative
- Retirement Planning Specialist
- Insurance & Risk Management Advisor
- Private Banking or Client Relationship Associate
As a CFP® Board-Registered program, the curriculum fulfills the educational requirements necessary to pursue CFP® certification while building the technical expertise, ethical judgment, and client-service skills valued by employers throughout the financial services sector.
Admission
Requirements
The Financial Planning concentration offers a direct pathway into a profession that emphasizes technical expertise, ethical responsibility, and client trust. Admission is based on West Liberty University’s standard undergraduate admissions process.
Requirements:
- University admission
- Declaration of Financial Planning concentration within the BSBA program
- No separate program application required
- No additional selective admission requirements beyond university admission standards
Application Deadline: Follow West Liberty University undergraduate admission deadlines.
Applicants are reviewed through the University’s undergraduate admissions process. Students who meet admission requirements may declare the Financial Planning concentration and begin coursework according to their academic plan.
Advisors are available to help students plan coursework, explore CFP® certification pathways, and prepare for successful careers in financial planning and wealth management.
Cost, Aid &
Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2: Declare the Financial Planning concentration within the BSBA program
Step 3: Meet with an academic advisor and prepare your degree plan
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.