Financial Planning Programs at The Ohio State University

Ohio State undergraduate students can graduate with not only a degree, but substantial progress toward one of the most respected professional certifications in financial services, the Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) designation. As a CFP Board Registered Program, the below Major or Minor fulfill the educational requirement that allows individuals to take the CFP® exam. For more information, please see below and contact Cäzilia Loibl, PhD CFP® or George Rooney, PhD, the CFP® Program Co-Directors, with any questions. Our student leader Micah Lucas and his team at the Student Financial Planning Association also welcome student inquiries.

Two degree options

Learn more about course CFP® requirements

Ohio State students in a meeting room listening to a presentation about financial services
Financial Planning Minor

A great option for Finance or Econ Majors who would like to enter the field of Financial Planning/Wealth Management. Speak with your academic advisor or Dr. Loibl to confirm course requirements.

Read more about Financial Planning Minor

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Want to know more about the Financial Planning Profession?

Please join us at the OSU Student Financial Planning Association (Student FPA). For more information please contact osufpa@gmail.com.

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FisherU

According to U.S. News, the financial advisor career is among the best business jobs, and best-paying jobs, with thousands of projected job openings in the upcoming years. 

Where do you even start?

Love entrepreneurship? Did you know you could start an independent financial advisory firm one day? Check out the XY Planning Network:
XYPN Radio / Resources / Blog

What could a career in financial planning look like?

Ohio State Financial Planning Program

CFP Board requires 7 courses for Ohio State students:

  1. CSCFFS 3260: Fundamentals of Financial Planning
  2. CSCFFS 4260: Family Tax Planning
  3. CSCFFS 4280: Estate Planning
  4. CSCFFS 5250: Retirement Planning
  5. BUSFIN 3222: Foundations of Investments or BUSFIN 4221 (if Fisher student)
  6. BUSFIN 3300: Principles of Insurance
  7. CSCFFS 5260: Family Financial Management Application capstone

CFP Exam:

  1. Must have passed the 7 courses. Reach out to Dr. Loibl to have your coursework verified to the CFP Board prior to taking the exam
  2. Must complete a Bachelor’s degree with in 5 years from date of exam passing Education requirement

Other CFP Board approved education providers:

  • For students who are not able to complete all 7 courses at Ohio State
  • Several hundred online programs; enroll only for the courses that you didn’t complete at Ohio State; costs vary widely, up to $1,000/course; public institutions usually lower priced
  • Learn more

Make sure to register in the CFP Board Candidate Forum

Register here

New this coming Autumn semester, Autumn 2024:

  • Offer this capstone course CSCFFS 5260 in person, taught by a local CFP professional
  • Study group with Dr. Loibl to sit for the CFP Exam in March 2025
    • Books to study: $1,000
    • Exam is $825
    • Review course: $1,500

CFP® marks after your name once you:

  • Complete the coursework, earn a bachelor’s degree
  • Pass the CFP exam
  • Work for 6,000 hours in the field (close to 3 years)
  • Fulfill candidate ethics requirements, including background checks