Academic Programs Catalog

The Minor in Financial Planning and Wealth Management, which is administered by the Department of Finance, is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the field of financial planning and wealth management. The program develops knowledge of the industry’s financial, accounting, taxation, and regulatory environments, as well as the art of relationship management and the importance of a thorough appreciation of individual client differences and diversity. The program should be of interest to students whose undergraduate major is not in business or finance.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student’s program.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult an academic advisor in the Undergraduate Academic Services unit in the Eli Broad College of Business. Finance majors pursuing the minor should consult with their academic advisor to ensure that both their major and minor requirements are satisfied.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Minor, a student must have completed one course from item a. and one course from item b. with a grade of at least 3..0 in each course:

a.	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
	STT	201	Statistical Methods						4
	STT	231	Statistics for Scientists						3
	STT	315	Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business						3
	STT	351	Probability and Statistics for Engineering						3
	STT	421	Statistics I						3
	STT	441	Probability and Statistics I: Probability						3
b.	FI	311	Financial Management						3
	FI	320	Introduction to Finance						3

Students must provide a completed online application, including a statement of purpose and a resume. This online application must be received by the Department of Finance by March 15 for the fall or summer semester admission, and by October 1 for the spring semester admission. By applying to the Minor, a student would agree to allow the selection committee to review the student’s grades.

Admission to the Minor is competitive and, therefore, not guaranteed. Meeting the minimum standards listed above does not guarantee admission. The applicant’s overall record is considered, including the student’s statement of objectives, and extra-curricular activities. Admission is subject to space availability.

Requirements for the Minor in Financial Planning and Wealth Management
Complete 15 credits from all of the following:

FI	312	Introduction to Investments							3
FI	370	Introduction to Financial Planning and Wealth Management							3
FI	380	Principles of Insurance and Risk Management							3
FI	460	Estate and Income Tax Planning							3
FI	470	Advanced Financial Planning and Wealth Management							3

Academic Standards

Students enrolled in the minor are expected to maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 each semester, as well as a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0. A student who does not maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average will be placed on probation. Such a student will be given the next semester of enrollment to achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average; otherwise, the student will be dismissed from the minor.

The Program Director is responsible for monitoring the progress of students enrolled in the program. A policy statement containing additional information relative to academic standards is available from the Director.