MS in Financial Planning

MS in Financial Planning

Advance Your Financial Planning Expertise and Leadership Skills

As individuals and businesses face increasingly complex financial decisions, organizations need professionals who can provide strategic guidance with integrity. The University of Dallas MS in Financial Planning equips you with expertise in investments, retirement, taxes, and estate planning — preparing you to deliver trusted, values-driven financial advice and make impactful decisions for clients and organizations.

Program Overview

Credit Hours: 30 Total Credit Hours / 10 Classes
Delivery Options: Online & on campus in Irving, Texas
Program Format: Flexible evening and online classes for working professionals
Accreditation: AACSB-accredited UDallas College of Business
Typical Duration: 1 – 2 years (depending on schedule and course load)

 

 

What You’ll Learn in the MS Financial Planning Program

Today's financial landscape requires advisors who can do more than crunch numbers, they must guide clients with empathy, ethics, and long-term strategy. An MS in Financial Planning prepares professionals to lead in wealth management, retirement planning, and personal Finance with technical expertise and a human-centered approach.

At the University of Dallas, students in the Financial Planning program gain a deep understanding of tax strategy, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management, and investment principles, all while cultivating the soft skills and ethical foundation needed to serve clients with integrity.

Graduates are well-positioned to pursue the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and excel in client-facing financial careers.

 

Career Paths for MS in Financial Planning Graduates

 

CFPs help individuals and families achieve long-term financial goals through personalized strategies in retirement, investments, taxes, and estate planning.
These advisors work with high-net-worth clients to manage assets, plan for future generations, and align portfolios with lifestyle and legacy goals.
Estate Planners develop strategies to transfer wealth, minimize taxes, and protect family assets. They often collaborate with attorneys and accountants in high-trust settings.
These professionals guide clients through savings strategies, retirement income planning,  and Social Security or pension optimization.
A senior-level role that oversees planning teams, develops financial strategies, and ensures compliance with fiduciary standards. Often found in firms or large institutions.

Courses You'll Take

30 Total Credit Hours / 13 Classes

(Required for All Graduate Business Programs)
MANA 6V50 The Virtuous Leader. 
MANA 6V51 Business and the Common Good. 
BUAD 6320 The Effective Communicator.

ACCT 5380 Income Tax I
FINA 6305 Managerial Finance
FINA 6360 Risk Management, Insurance & Estate Planning
FINA 7322 Investments
FINA 7350 Derivatives
FINA 7355 Retirement Planning
FINA 7380 Financial Planning Capstone
FINA 7395 Portfolio Management

Apply to the Dallas MS Program

Joining the University of Dallas MS program is simple—no GMAT or GRE required. With multiple start dates throughout the year and flexible formats to fit your schedule, applying is the first step toward advancing your career with a values-driven, AACSB-accredited education. Whether online, on-campus, or hybrid, your MS journey starts here. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The University of Dallas’ MS in Financial Planning is a 30-credit-hour program designed to equip students with professional expertise and an ethical foundation to excel as financial advisors. The curriculum prepares students for the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) exam and covers key areas such as investments, tax planning, portfolio management, retirement planning, and estate planning.

The program comprises 30 credit hours and is offered in an on-campus or hybrid format (partly online, partly on campus). This allows students to collaborate with peers and professors while maintaining flexibility. For the typical working professional taking two courses per semester, the program can be completed in 1–2 years.

Yes. The program emphasizes practical training and collaborative learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world financial planning scenarios and develop skills essential for personal finance and wealth management roles.

Yes. The curriculum is strategically designed to meet the educational requirements for the CFP® exam, with integrated exam preparation to increase success rates.

The University of Dallas MS programs in finance are affiliated with the CFA Institute and prepare students for the CFA Level 1 exam, supporting long-term professional development in investment and financial advisory careers.
No. The program does not require the GMAT or GRE for admission.

About the UDallas MS

The UDallas College of Business is AACSB-accredited and nationally recognized for its focus on practical, ethical, and globally minded business education. Our MS program emphasizes values-driven leadership and provides the flexibility, rigor, and support working professionals need to succeed.