Duquesne’s New Financial Planning Track Curriculum Approved by CFP Board

The Financial Planning Track, enrolling its first class in Fall 2025, is designed to provide students with essential knowledge and competency to be difference-makers through their work. Students who complete the track will have the educational requirements needed to sit for the CFP® exam—the gold standard in wealth management. CFP® professionals take a holistic, "big-picture" approach to finances to help clients achieve their life goals. 
 
The curriculum covers all eight CFP® certification Principal Knowledge Topics (including investment analysis, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, risk management and professional conduct), ensuring students are ready to navigate complex financial challenges.

Innovative Resources and Enhanced Curriculum

Students will leverage the resources of Duquesne's Investment Strategy Institute, which includes 24 Bloomberg terminals, professional software and leading financial-planning tools, ensuring they are well-equipped with industry-standard technologies. In addition, the School of Business is developing a post-graduation CFP® exam preparation program to further support students who complete the Financial Planning Track.  
 
"This endorsement of our Financial Planning curriculum by CFP Board underscores the hard work of our faculty and staff, as well as our commitment to preparing students for meaningful and impactful careers," said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. "By combining rigorous academic preparation with cutting-edge resources and hands-on experiences, our students will excel in the financial planning profession and meet the demands of a dynamic and fulfilling industry."

Meeting the Growing Need for Financial Planners

The need for CFP® professionals is rising, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which predicts a 15% increase in demand for personal financial advisors between 2021 and 2031. Moreover, research shows that 86% of consumers prefer working with an advisor who has earned the CFP® designation, while 90% report feeling more confident in their futures thanks to their financial planner's expertise. 
 
By aligning the curriculum with industry standards and trends, the Financial Planning Track will equip students to enter a growing field where they can help clients achieve personal financial goals.   
 
"In addition to filling a workforce need, our graduates are able to begin their careers sooner," said John Niedenberger, executive director of the Investment Strategy Institute. "This track not only prepares students for the CFP® exam but also sets them apart with a unique blend of technical expertise and practical experience."

Enhanced Opportunities Through Schwab Partnership

An important enabler of the Financial Planning track is the School’s recently announced partnership with Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation. This multi-year partnership will provide students with unique resources and professional development opportunities, enabling them to build fulfilling careers that enhance the financial well-being of their clients.
 
"Partnerships like the one with Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation are vital to our mission of preparing students for employment," said Niedenberger. "This collaboration allows us to send even more ethical, career-ready financial planning professionals into the workforce."

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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