Personal Finance, BS

The Personal Finance major is a Bachelor of Science program registered with the Certified Financial Planner®️ Board of Standards.

The Personal Finance major offers two options: (1) Financial Planning concentration, a Certified Financial Planner®️ Board-Registered program, for careers in personal financial advising, coaching, and wealth management; and (2) Consumer Finance concentration with an emphasis on financial product development, financial technology, business administration, and consumer behavior.

The Financial Planning concentation is a Certified Financial Planner®️ Board-Registered program, preparing students to sit for the CFP®️ exam, which UW–Madison students pass at rates well above the national average.

Inside the Degree

Group of students posing outside the De Nederlandsche Bank (Dutch Central Bank) in Amsterdam during a study abroad visit.

Learning about financial planning in the birthplace of commerce

Personal Finance students in the Markets, Mindsets & Money course traveled to the Netherlands where they visited the Dutch National Bank, toured the modern financial district and took in cultural sites. Students completed field work on typical Dutch household expenses and worked in groups to create a personal finance plan for an American moving to the Netherlands.

“Being in Amsterdam allowed me to experience a new culture and see how financial decisions influence everyday life through transportation, housing, sustainability and retirement planning.” – Reese Ceku x’27, Personal Finance student

Coursework & Careers

Our coursework is interdisciplinary with an emphasis on financial management and the economic well being of individuals and families.

Students can take one of two concentrations: the more traditional Financial Planning Concentration for careers in counseling, coaching, and wealth management, or the Consumer Finance Concentration working on financial product development, financial technology, and consumer behavior. All graduates who complete the Financial Planning Concentration leave fully prepared to sit for the prestigious Certified Financial Planner® exam.

In the Personal Finance program, you’ll learn to design financial products and craft polices to meet people’s needs, preparing you for employment in a variety of growing fields.