What is 'Finance (fina)' and 'Insurance (INSU)'?

With more finance curriculum than any other institution in Nebraska, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers numerous diplomas, certificates and degrees for those interested in careers in financial management, financial planning and insurance. Studying these fields at MCC offers students an opportunity to learn more about finances specific to institutions (financial management) and households (financial planning). Programs in Insurance provide students an understanding of the tools and techniques used to manage risk relevant to individuals, businesses and organizations.

Is It For You?

Those interested in pursuing these career paths should have good interpersonal skills and an aptitude for working with numbers. Other personal characteristics include entrepreneurial abilities as almost one third of personal financial advisors are self-employed. Although rapid job growth is projected for this sector, keen competition is anticipated for those seeking highly paid positions. Continued education and professional designations, such as the CFP®, are also important for industry participants.

Jobs and Salary Expectations

Entry level jobs in this career field (such as Practitioners, Administrative Support Staff, Financial Planning Specialists and Para-Financial Planners) can be obtained with an associate degree.

Job titles for advanced positions in this sector include: controller, treasurer or finance officer, credit manager, cash manager, risk and insurance manager, manager of international banking, financial analysts, and financial advisor. An education in these fields of study prepares students for jobs with financial firms, insurance establishments, and government entities. Such organizations include banks, savings institutions, finance companies, credit unions, insurance carriers, securities dealers, and financial planning organizations. In 2006, median annual earnings of wage and salary financial managers were $90,970 whereas the median annual earnings of salary personal financial advisors were $66,120. Note, earnings of self-employed were not included in aforementioned medians.

Program Faculty

• Lori Lothringer, Ph.D., AFC
  Director/Faculty, MCC Financial Planning Program
• David Wilhelm, MBA, BS
  

Program Descriptions

FINANCE

• Credit Management (BMCMO) Track Offering
  
• Financial Planning & Investment (BMFSO) Track Offering
• Financial Services Management (BMFMO) Track Offering
• Para-Financial Planner (BPFCE)
• Credit Management (BCMSD)
• Financial Planning Specialist (BFPSD)
• Financial Services Management (BFSSD)
• Financial Counseling (BFCSD)
• Financial Planning (BMPC1)
  

INSURANCE

• Insurance and Risk Management (BMIMO) Track Offering
• Insurance and Risk Management (BIRCE)
• Insurance Management (BIMSD)
  

Credit Classes and Registration

• Find Class Schedule
• Register for Classes

PROGRAM LINKS:

MCC Financial Planning Program

*Information specific to job, industry outlook, and earnings is based on the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009.