COURSE CURRICULUM

The Financial Planning major at The University of Akron is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide individuals and institutions in managing their financial resources effectively, encompassing areas such as portfolio management, estate planning, retirement planning, tax planning, strategic investing, and risk management. Students pursuing this degree are required to complete 36 credit hours of general education courses, which build a strong academic foundation through studies in mathematics, statistics, communication, writing, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts and humanities, with opportunities to fulfill domestic and global diversity requirements. In addition, students complete 12 credit hours of additional business requirements, including business communications, professional development, leadership skills, and mathematics/statistics coursework, providing a solid basis for success in the business environment. The College of Business Core, totaling 36 credit hours, includes courses in economics, accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations, and international business, ensuring students gain broad business knowledge and analytical skills. The Financial Planning major itself requires 33 credit hours, covering foundational courses such as financial markets and institutions, investments, estate and retirement planning, risk management, contemporary taxation, and a financial planning capstone. Students may also select electives in advanced finance, insurance, ethics, or applied projects, preparing graduates for professional certification, including eligibility to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam, and careers in wealth management, financial consulting, and advisory services.