Spears Business earns national CFP Board recognition for undergraduate financial planning degree program

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Media Contact: Stephen Howard | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-744-4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University’s Department of Finance has been recognized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards for its undergraduate financial planning degree track as a registered CFP Certification Education Program.

This gold-standard designation makes OSU one of just 213 universities nationally with a registered CFP Certification Education Program and qualifies graduates to immediately sit for the CFP Exam. 

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for our Department of Finance and a significant milestone for the Spears School of Business,” said Dr. Jim Payne, dean of Spears Business. "Our faculty have worked hard to build a program that meets the highest standards in financial planning education, and this recognition validates that effort. For our students, this opens doors to exceptional career opportunities in a profession where they can truly impact people's lives by helping them achieve financial security and peace of mind. We're excited about what this means for the future of our students and the families they'll serve throughout their careers.”

The curriculum prepares students to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals through effective budgeting, investing, retirement planning, tax strategies, insurance planning and estate planning. Graduates are prepared for careers as financial planners, wealth advisors or investment consultants in a rapidly growing profession focused on improving financial well-being. According to the CFP Board, 4 in 10 financial planners will retire in the next decade, opening the door for 27,000 new high-paying jobs annually.  

In addition to the $3.2 million in scholarships awarded by Spears Business in 2025-26, students pursuing CFP certification can apply for a number of scholarships through the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning.

“Financial planning is one of the fastest-growing professions in financial services, driven by rising demand for holistic advice and a generational transition within the industry,” said Amit Bansal, program director of OSU’s undergraduate CFP Certification Education Program and instructor of professional practice in the Department of Finance. “The CFP designation gives students a strong competitive edge, builds professional credibility, and prepares them to deliver trusted, ethical guidance to individuals and families.”

The OSU Department of Finance prepares students for successful careers by providing a quality education through caring, dedicated and qualified faculty. The department conducts research to benefit the financial and business community, while also serving business, government and nonprofit organizations through education and outreach.