Financial Planning The University of Akron

Overview

The Financial Planning programme at The University of Akron provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in managing the complex financial interests of both individuals and institutions. This degree focuses on developing expertise in portfolio management, tax planning, and strategic investment to meet modern business demands.

Students enrolled in this major gain the specific knowledge required to sit for the Certified Financial Planning (CFP) examination. The curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical finance and practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared to help clients achieve their long-term money goals through effective budgeting and insurance planning.

The teaching approach emphasises real-world decision-making by integrating current events and case-based analysis into the classroom.

Why Financial Planning at The University of Akron?

The University of Akron holds prestigious accreditation from AACSB International, placing its business programmes among the top tier globally. The College of Business is also one of a select group of institutions to earn separate accounting accreditation, reflecting its high academic standards.

The institution maintains exceptionally close ties with regional businesses, which directly benefits students through mentorship schemes and guest lectures from industry executives. These partnerships ensure the curriculum remains fresh and relevant to the needs of the current financial services sector.

Students have access to cutting-edge technology through academic alliances with major vendors such as Microsoft and Oracle. Furthermore, the university offers numerous active student organisations, including the Financial Planning Association and the Financial Management Association, for professional networking.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the student journey, with opportunities for paid-for-credit internships and cooperative work placements. These experiences allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings at regional companies, enhancing their employability upon graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 21650 per year
• National fee: USD 21650 per year
• Local fee: USD 13740 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to cover all aspects of the financial planning process. Modules may include:

• Financial Planning
• Portfolio Management
• Estate Planning
• Tax Planning
• Strategic Investing and Planning
• Financial Consulting Services
• Budgeting Plans
• Investing Decisions
• Insurance Needs

Careers with Financial Planning

Graduates of the Financial Planning programme are well-equipped for roles in corporate financial management and the broader financial services industry. The skills acquired during the degree allow for successful transitions into professional consultancy and wealth management roles.

Former students have secured placements at high-profile organisations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Diebold, Inc. These roles often involve managing corporate assets and developing long-term financial strategies for large-scale operations.

In the financial services sector, graduates have found success at prestigious firms including Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, and UBS. Other common destinations include Ameriprise, PNC, KeyBank, and ValMark Securities, where they provide expert advice on investments and private wealth management.

The programme also prepares students for careers in insurance and brokerage, with alumni working at Northwest Mutual Insurance and Scottrade. The comprehensive training ensures that graduates can pursue diverse paths within the global financial landscape, supported by the university's dedicated career services.