Massry School Launched Financial Planning Program
The Albany business school introduced a new concentration to prepare undergraduates for professional certification.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Planning

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The Massry School of Business has launched a new Financial Planning Concentration for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This program aims to bridge a critical industry gap by training the next generation of financial advisors.
Why it matters
The program addresses a looming shortage in the wealth management sector, as a significant portion of current professionals approach retirement. By aligning with national board requirements, the school ensures graduates are prepared for immediate industry entry.
Approximately 40% of current financial advisors are expected to retire within the coming decade. The new curriculum specifically meets the professional requirements set by the Certified Financial Planner Board.
The players
Massry School of Business
This is the business school housed at the University at Albany in New York.
Certified Financial Planner Board
This organization establishes the professional standards and certification requirements for financial planners.
The details
Available to business administration students, the concentration integrates academic coursework with practical industry engagement. Students participate in internships, classroom discussions, and site visits with alumni to gain professional exposure.
Timeline
The Financial Planning Concentration launched in the Fall 2026 semester.
Market Dynamics
The program follows the Certified Financial Planner Board professional certification standards to ensure students are eligible for industry licensure upon graduation. This initiative aligns academic training with the evolving regulatory and professional demands of the broader financial advisory sector.
Students pursuing this track gain a direct pathway toward professional certification and enhanced employability in the financial services sector. The curriculum provides local access to standardized training that was previously less accessible for regional business undergraduates.
The takeaway
The move reflects a proactive strategy to stabilize the financial services labor market by standardizing educational pathways for students. Aspiring advisors should look for programs that integrate board-certified requirements to ensure their degrees are recognized by employers.
Further reading
For more information on educational pathways for wealth management, visit the Financial Planning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRGB.
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