Prospective students can use the following rankings to find top online MBA programs in financial planning. This page also discusses further details about financial planning MBA programs, including curricula, careers, scholarships, and professional organizations.
What Is an MBA in Financial Planning?
An online master's in financial planning prepares learners to understand the intricacies of the global financial markets so they can form financial plans for their future employers. They may learn about currency exchange, domestic and foreign securities, and financial management. The degree also readies students for financial reporting, budgeting, and dealing with regulatory issues.
With a focus on critical thinking as applied to financial decision-making, many programs prepare students to take the certified financial planner (CFP) exam, an industry standard that represents excellent and deep knowledge of the field.
Online MBA Programs for You
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Top Financial Planning Online MBA Programs
What Can You Do With an MBA in Financial Planning?
Online MBA in Financial Planning Curriculum
By pursuing a top online MBA in financial planning, students receive a strong foundational education in business administration and financial planning. Because curricula vary by school, prospective students should check with their schools of interest to discover what they may offer.
Investment Theory and Portfolio Management Coursework in emerging business technologies focuses on principles, theories, and processes of technology design and development. Students explore technological innovation, technological trajectories, and cycles of technology as they apply in business settings.
Tax Theory and Business Decisions This course provides a foundational overview of business structure as it relates to taxation. Topics include tax policy, operational strategies, and taxation responsibilities for financial managers.
Theory and Practice of Financial Reporting A critical skill set for financial planners, financial reporting requires knowledge of balance sheets, cash flow statements, and income statements. This course covers cash flow analysis, credit risk assessment, receivables and inventory, and financial reporting for owners' equity.
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How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Financial Planning
Learners should consider a variety of factors when selecting a program, including accreditation, program focus, structure, cost, and extracurricular requirements.
Accreditation holds schools and programs to a set of officially approved standards. Regional and national accreditation analyze the school as a whole. Students pursuing an online MBA should also verify programmatic accreditation from an organization such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program focus varies among top online MBA programs in financial planning. Some programs focus more on personal finance, emphasizing estate and retirement planning. Others focus on corporate finance. Students seeking careers in financial planning should research each program carefully to ensure the curriculum aligns with their career goals.
Prospective students should also consider program structure, including location and cost. Some schools allow full- or part-time study, while others offer only one format. Some schools allow distance learners to pay in-state or otherwise reduced tuition regardless of state residency, while others charge higher rates for nonresidents. Consider any in-person MBA requirements, too, as distant locations involve increased travel costs.
Finally, students should seek programs with corresponding experiential components aligned to their career goals. Some schools require internships, capstones, or a final thesis, which could offer opportunities to gain relevant experience. A top online MBA curriculum may also include experiences such as trips to financial hubs like Chicago or New York.
Scholarships for Financial Planning MBA Programs
Aspiring financial planners can find a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and grant opportunities to help fund their studies in a top online MBA program. Many local organizations, state offices, and professional associations offer scholarships and grants. The list below offers details on a few scholarships available to MBA students.
Professional Organizations for Financial Planning
Students and graduates can boost their careers through membership in professional organizations. Professional organizations can inspire students to better serve their fields and help set them up for career success. Member benefits typically include online networking, local chapter membership, annual conferences, and other opportunities for professional development.
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
Serving a membership of commission-free personal financial advisors, NAPFA offers a wealth of professional development opportunities. Member benefits include industry news, professional discounts, and an active online community.
Association for Financial Professionals
AFP supports financial professionals and treasurers through two prestigious professional credentials. Additional membership benefits include live and recorded training sessions, virtual roundtables, in-person events for networking, and career tools.
Financial Planning Association
Designed for certified financial professionals and students who plan to seek certification, FPA advocates for the highest standards in the business. The association supports its members through a robust online community, 86 local chapters, and certified continuing education webinars.
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Dedicated to supporting insurance experts and financial advisors across industries, NAIFA represents its members through legislative advocacy. Member benefits include monthly meetings, a consumer directory, a virtual library, and leadership opportunities.
Society of Financial Service Professionals
With a membership that includes accountants, CPAs, insurance experts, and financial advisors across a variety of expertise, FSP offers regular publications, local chapters, and ongoing continuing education.
