Program Overview

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Online B.S. in Financial Planning and Counseling

The University of Utah’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Financial Planning and Counseling (FPC) degree program positions students to help individuals navigate their financial journeys. From personal finance and investment strategies to understanding the psychology behind financial decisions, this program covers key topics like budgeting, investing, managing credit and debt, financial products, taxes, insurance, and estate planning.

Credits Required

• 46 or 47 (Major)
• 16 (Minor)

What Does It Cost

• $537.55/credit (effective Fall 2025, subject to change without notice)

Learning Format

• Online

Start Terms

• Fall, Spring, Summer

Why Choose UOnline’s Bachelor’s in Financial Planning and Counseling?

The financial planning and counseling degree program introduces students to the fundamentals of personal finance, covering key topics like budgeting, investing, managing credit and debt, financial products, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. The curriculum goes beyond just crunching numbers, teaching students how to connect with clients and guide them toward smart financial decisions.

Application Deadlines

• Any Semester Admission: Students can start their online financial planning degree program in the fall, spring, or summer.
• Submission deadlines:
  • April 1 for fall
  • November 1 for spring
  • March 1 for summer

Financial Planning and Counseling Overview

About Online Learning

At the University of Utah, online courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Interactive learning comes in various ways, including:

• Group assignments
• Contributions to a discussion forum
• Peer reviews

Degree Type

• Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and Counseling and minor in Financial Planning and Counseling from the College of Social and Behavioral Science.

Degree Requirements

Financial Planning and Counseling Major

To graduate with a bachelor’s in financial planning and counseling degree, students must complete 122 credit hours, including:

• General education
• University requirements
• 46 credits specific to the major: 34 credits in financial planning and counseling and 12 allied credits from designated departments outside of economics.

Financial Planning Emphasis

Students have the option to select the financial planning emphasis, adding valuable skills in:

• Estate Planning
• Investment Planning
• Personal Taxation
• Retirement Savings
• Risk Management and Insurance

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.

Tuition & Scholarships

• The cost of tuition for the online financial counseling degree program is $537.55 (effective Fall 2025) and is subject to change.
• Departmental scholarships are available for FPC majors.

Program Application

• 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 students for a growing field where they can make a meaningful difference by helping individuals and families achieve financial stability. As a CFP professional, students can work at large financial, boutique, and insurance companies or even start their own practice.

Potential Roles

• Financial Counselor
• Financial Planner
• Independent Consultant
• Wealth Manager
• Advisor in settings like banks, credit unions, customer relations, financial literacy, financial planning firms, higher education financial aid, housing counseling, human resources, insurance companies, real estate, and 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 earning potential and opportunities for career advancement.

Median Annual Wage

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers earned a median annual salary of $156,100 in 2023.

Expected Growth

• The BLS expects financial manager positions to increase by 17% over the next nine years.

Job Openings

• Through 2033, the BLS anticipates 75,100 financial manager job openings.