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 Certfied Financial Planner®️ Board-Registered program, for careers in personal financial advising, coaching, and wealth management. (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

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.