Michigan State University Broad College of Business

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FINANCIAL PLANNING & WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Michigan State University
M.S. in Financial Planning & Wealth Management

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Transform Your Career
in A Single Year

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

WITH AN IN-DEMAND DEGREE

Michigan State University’s M.S. in Financial Planning & Wealth Management equips you with both the technical expertise and interpersonal skills to thrive as a trusted financial advisor. Designed for recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, this program provides the financial knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently step into the financial industry. Whether your background is in English, Finance, Sales, Communication, Economics, Marketing, Advertising, or Psychology, this CFP Board-certified program prepares you to take the CFP exam and secure a meaningful career in wealth management. Through this program, you’ll experience:

Quick graduation, in less than 1 year

CFP exam eligibility after graduation

Flexible electives to match your career goals

Strong alumni network & industry connections

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BUILD YOUR FUTURE

IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

This program is designed for driven individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial planning industry. Whether you're a recent graduate seeking a specialized career path or a professional looking to transition into wealth management, you'll thrive in this program if you have a passion for helping others, strong analytical skills, and a desire to master the ins and outs of financial planning.

ENTER A GROWING FIELD WITH

STRONG EARNING POTENTIAL

$90,900

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

$95,080

INVESTMENT ANALYST

$121,750

PARAPLANNER

CLASSES YOU'LL TAKE

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PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

1:1 Career Advising

From day one, you'll have access to a faculty advisor who offers personalized career counseling. Whether you're refining your resume, preparing for interviews, or exploring career paths, we’ll ensure you’re ready for success after graduation.

Wealth Mixer & Networking Events

Our annual Wealth Mixer connects students with leading financial firms, a valuable opportunity to build relationships with industry professionals. Through networking events, employer panels, and alumni mentorship, you’ll gain direct access to hiring managers and potential employers.

CFP Exam Preparation

As a CFP Board-registered program, we provide support through faculty membership, study groups, and preparatory resources to help you pass the Certified Financial Planner™ exam and advance your career.

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HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI

"Joining the small cohort of students in the MS of Financial Planning and Wealth Management program was one of the best decisions I made! It provided me with hands-on learning and taught me the importance of ethical decision-making, and the fundamentals of financial planning. This program reshaped my perspective of financial advising and highlighted that earning your clients' trust and building lasting relationships is the most crucial part of the role.”

— Ella Kubas, M.S. in Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Class of 2024

“The program offers numerous opportunities for internships and full jobs allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. I can attest to the school's strong network of alumni and industry connections has opened doors for career opportunities that I might not have found otherwise.”

—Russell Dawson, M.S. in Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Class of 2023

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*Bureau of Labor Statistics, Median Salaries

Core Courses (18 credits)Elective or Concentration Courses (12 credits)

What is a Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management?

The Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program helps you become a great financial advisor. Financial advisors help people make smart choices with their money, reach their goals, and avoid poor decisions. In this program, you’ll learn the technical skills you need to take the CFP® exam, which is an important step to becoming a CFP®. The program also focuses on helping you build strong communication skills, so you can work well with all kinds of people and guide them in making good financial decisions.

Is a Master’s in Financial Planning worth it?

Yes, it is! This program can lead to a great job as a financial advisor to help people make smart choices with their money. Students who graduate from the program go on to get jobs with an average starting salary of $70,000. The program also helps you get ready for the CFP® exam.

Can I learn AI-driven customer and market insights in this program?

Yes! The Master’s in Marketing Research & Analytics integrates AI and advanced analytics throughout the curriculum. You’ll gain skills in predictive modeling, machine learning, and customer analytics, preparing you to generate AI-driven insights for marketing strategies.

What careers can I pursue with a master's degree in financial planning & wealth management?

The Master's in Financial Planning & Wealth Management program helps students become financial advisors. These are people who help their clients make good choices with their money. Our program grraduates have found work at big and small companies, with some working directly with clients, while others work in areas like investing, estate planning, marketing, compliance, or operations.

When are classes offered for the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program?

Since the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed as a full-time on-campus program, classes are offered on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday throughout the day. As a result, you could have classes in both the morning and afternoon/evening.

Does this Financial PLanning & Wealth Management program prepare me for the CFP® exam?

Yes, the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program includes the classes you need to meet the education requirement for the CFP® exam. CFP® stands for Certified Financial Planner, which is a top certification for financial advisors. After finishing the program, you can sign up to take the exam. Most students also use a study program or test prep service to help prepare.

Are additional prep courses recommended prior to taking the CFP® exam?

While not required, it is strongly recommended that students plan to purchase CFP® exam preparation materials. Our master’s degree in financial planning and wealth management covers the learning objectives as stipulated by the CFP Board. A study prep will prepare a student to successfully pass the exam.

What is the average salary for someone with a master’s in financial planning or wealth management?

Last year, the average starting salary last year for graduates of the program was $70,000, plus an $8,000 signing bonus. The pay can be higher or lower depending on where you work and what kind of company you work for.

Do I need to be a finance, accounting, or business major to apply?

No, you don’t need to be a finance, accounting, or business major to apply for Michigan State University's Master's in Financial Planning and Wealth Management. Financial planners come from many different backgrounds. We welcome students who studied, finance, accounting, marketing, supply chain, communications, advertising, economics, psychology, political science, and other social sciences.

How long does it take to complete this Master's in Financial Planning & Wealth Management program?

The Michigan State University M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program takes 9 months to finish. It starts in late August and ends with graduation in early May. Students take classes during two school terms – fall and spring.

Can I take more than two semesters to complete the financial planning and wealth management graduate program?

While the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed to be completed in two terms, there is flexibility to complete it over a longer period. The program must be finished within three years. This flexibility can accommodate those who wish to continue working.

Are there any online class options for the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program?

The Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management is an on-premises program, meaning all classes are taught in person at our East Lansing, Michigan, campus.

Is the Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program STEM certified?

No, the degree in financial planning and wealth management is not a STEM-certified program.

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