Schwab Gift Supports New Financial Planning Track, Fulfills Industry Need

Through this multi-year partnership with Schwab, the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business will launch a financial planning track within the existing finance major in Fall 2025. The track also will be open to other business majors as well as students from outside the business school who are interested in financial planning. 
 
The curriculum, which includes five new courses covering all eight domains of the Certified Financial Planner® Principal Knowledge Topics, will prepare students to sit for the Certified Financial Planner® exam immediately following graduation so they can begin their career sooner and assist clients with financial matters including investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes and retirement. 
 
The financial planning track will complement Duquesne’s robust business-education offerings and fulfill a workforce need. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of personal financial advisors is expected to increase from approximately 330,000 in 2021 to 380,000 in 2031, during a time when more than one-third of current financial advisors plan to retire. 
 
“We’re grateful for the many ways this significant gift from Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation will enhance our ability to develop ethical and knowledgeable financial advisors who are committed to the greater good,” said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. “Our new partnership with Schwab and our outstanding facilities in the Investment Strategy Institute (ISI) are a difference-making combination that will allow us to send even more career-ready financial planning professionals into a workforce where they will ensure that their clients make good financial decisions for their future.”  
 
Jacob Coughlin, a finance major scheduled to graduate in 2025, is excited for future students to gain the skills and career preparation this new track will afford. “This is a huge boost and head start,” he said. “As future financial planners, we have the opportunity to build relationships and trust with clients, and it’s a great advantage to start this work so soon after graduation.”
 
“We are honored to support Duquesne University in the development of the next generation of talent and guide them toward career opportunities in the financial services industry,” said Jon Beatty, Head of Schwab Advisor Services. “This is an investment not only in these students but also in their community and in the future of the financial planning profession.”
 
John Niedenberger, CFA, CFP®, has been named executive director of the ISI in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business and will oversee the financial planning track. 
 
“In addition to mentorship from esteemed faculty, students benefit from Duquesne’s proximity to wealth management firms, our well-connected alumni and hands-on learning within the ISI,” said Niedenberger. “The financial planning track brings an exciting new differentiator, allowing graduates to reach for even bigger goals as they get a running start on a meaningful career in financial planning.”

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.

It's time for bigger goals. Follow Duquesne University on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.
www.duq.edu