Start your career

Our program combines personal finance with human behavior education, giving you the tools to use your financial expertise to help people navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Iowa State’s financial counseling and planning degree is the only undergraduate program of its kind offered in Iowa! Our curriculum will prepare you for professional work helping people through the complex process of financial decision making by providing them with advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes, and retirement. You’ll learn in the classroom and be able to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings while you’re in school.

Graduates with a financial counseling and planning degree are prepared for employment in organizations committed to improving the financial capability of individuals and families. Examples of organizations are:

  • Research
  • Private practice
  • Law firms
  • Extension and outreach services
  • Credit and debt repayment agencies
  • Banks and credit unions
  • Financial planning firms
  • Military financial counselor contracts
  • Government agencies

Careers and Internships

As a graduate of the financial counseling and planning program, you will be well-prepared to guide clients in developing successful strategies to achieve financial goals and to support clients as they work through financial challenges and opportunities.  You are also able to pursue advanced educational options in graduate programs.

Career paths for financial counseling and planning graduates include:

  • Accredited Financial Counselor
  • Certified Financial Planner
  • Loan Officer
  • Product Management
  • Retirement Specialist
  • Wealth Management Advisor

Career Services
Prepare for your next job or internship with Career Services, where staff help you with job or internship searches, interview preparation, and resume/cover letter reviews.

Look at a list of career possibilities inside child, adult, and family services.

Internships
Internships are available with various companies and firms. For more information, visit our careers and internship page.

To apply for internships and full-time positions, use CyHire, on-campus career fairs, career services, and talk to your internship (field experience) coordinator: Carolyn Steckelberg.

See where other students have interned. Visit Career Connections.

Graduate program preparation

Some students may choose to further their education with a graduate degree, such as a:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) in Law
  • Master of Family Financial Planning

Graduate programs in HDFS

Financial Counseling and Planning Program Information

The Financial Counseling and Planning program is a CFP Board-Registered Program that meets specific criteria for educating individuals who wish to fulfill the education component for obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification. Earning the CFP® professional designation prepares you to be a more accomplished and effective adviser by providing the knowledge, credibility, and expertise needed to set you apart.

The Financial Counseling and Planning program is also an AFCPE® Registered Education Program which offers students the opportunity to earn their Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) certification that enhances their degree and marks the highest standard of excellence in the field of financial counseling and education.

Financial Counseling and Planning

Curriculum Requirements
2020-21 catalog requirements
General education selections

4-Year Plans
2020-21 sample 4-year plan

Financial Counseling Clinic

Our department has the first-in-the-nation campus Financial Counseling Clinic. Students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences in the Financial Counseling Laboratory and field experience. FCP students also have the option to complete the Financial Planning Capstone, which offers a real-world experience that prepares students to guide clients through life-cycle financial education to help them realize their goals and achieve lasting financial well-being.

Study abroad programs

Studying abroad is an opportunity to broaden your educational perspectives and personal view of the world. International opportunities are available through the College of Health and Human Sciences International Programs office.