Become a qualified financial planner
Interested in guiding individuals toward their financial goals? Enhance your degree with Bridgewater College’s Certified Financial Planning Minor, designed to equip you with essential skills in financial advising.
By completing this 21-credit minor alongside any major, you become eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam, positioning you for a career in financial planning.
Program Highlights & Career Outlook
Financial planning and advising is a growing and in-demand career field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for personal financial advisors will grow faster than average in the coming years. U.S. News and World Report ranks financial advisor among the top 10 best business jobs. For more information on career opportunities, visit the CFP Board’s website.
The Certified Financial Planning minor at Bridgewater College is open to students of any major. All classes are offered as high-flex courses over eight weeks, typically scheduled in the afternoon or evening. You’ll learn from experienced professionals and supportive faculty in a collaborative environment. The minor consists of seven courses, totaling 21 credit hours.

Curriculum in the Certified Financial Planning program
Required courses (21 credits):
- BUS-391 General Principles of Financial Planning (prerequisite for all other courses)
- BUS-392 Risk Management and Insurance Planning
- BUS-393 Investment Planning
- BUS-394 Tax Planning
- BUS-395 Retirement Savings and Income Planning
- BUS-396 Estate Planning
- BUS-397 Financial Plan Development (minor capstone)
Required Courses Meet the Faculty
Majors That Pair Well with the CFP Minor
Questions? Contact Us!
- Dr. Holly A. Caldwell-Taylor, Department Chair
- 540-828-5774
- hcaldwell@bridgewater.edu