The financial planning program is developing and providing professional education

The Financial planning program In Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics has evolved into a leading force in this field, reflecting growing demand for qualified financial advisors.

Started nearly a decade ago as a certificate program, the program has evolved into a comprehensive major that equips students with the tools to navigate the complexities of personal finance.

Significant program growth was evident recently when the department hosted a conference Financial Planning Career and Education Conference. The event demonstrated the program’s commitment to shaping the next generation of financial planners and attracted over 400 students, industry professionals and educators.

Dr. Nathan Harness, professor of instruction and director of the Financial Planning Program, has been with the program since its inception, playing a key role in its development and expansion. He focuses on filling a significant gap in financial education, recognizing the challenges many people face in managing their financial future.

“By studying financial planning, you can open the door to a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives,” Harness said. “At our conference, students showcased their skills and made invaluable connections, strengthening their ability to lead people toward achieving their financial goals.”

Empowering future financial planners

The conference included a career fair, where companies wanting to employ interns and full-time employees contacted students who wanted to start their careers. The students also showcased their skills in an elevator job competition, giving hiring managers insight into their potential.

The event also featured a series of speaker sessions featuring industry leaders, former students and inspiring speakers who shared insights on emerging trends in financial planning.

“The goal of this conference is to empower the next generation of financial planners to create a better and brighter profession,” Harness said.

The conference concluded with an appreciation banquet and networking reception where Harness and other leaders celebrated success and shared plans for the future of the program.

Strong support network

More than $6,000 worth of scholarships were awarded from the proceeds of the successful conference. Harness said that with this support, the program has ambitious plans to reach more students with a financial planning education and expects to become the second-largest financial planning bachelor’s degree program in the country by 2027.

Since the introduction of financial planning to the curriculum, there has been a remarkable 25-30% increase in enrollment each year. Interest in this field is constantly growing – over 415 applications were recorded for this year’s cohort of first-year students alone.

The program is well on its way to shaping the future of the financial planning profession, he said Rudy Nayga, Ph.D.head of the Department of Agricultural Economics. But for Nayga, the program’s trajectory is about more than numbers.

“It’s about building bridges to the future,” he said. “We don’t just educate students; we are preparing them to become the next generation of leaders who will guide families and businesses through life’s financial decisions.”

A holistic approach to learning financial planning

The faculty’s holistic approach to the program includes providing experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, that significantly increase students’ employability.

“Our goal is to cultivate a passion for the profession through hands-on experiences,” Harness said. “Internships serve as long-term mentorships and we work with industry partners to provide more opportunities for our students.”

Former student Carter Monrad ’24first graduate of the program, is a testament to the value of these opportunities. Monrad, now working as a financial planning analyst at Hartmann Taylor Wealth Management in Dallas, credits the program with helping him make a smooth transition from student to professional.

“This diploma opened doors for me that I didn’t know existed,” he said. “The program’s emphasis on holistic financial planning gave me a solid foundation and made me step into my role with confidence. The contacts I made during my studies continue to support me in my career.”

For current student Sydney Merecka ’25, the advantage of the program was its focus on experiential learning. Merecka, who initially studied economics with aspirations of becoming a data analyst, changed her career path after completing the “Foundations of Monetary Education” course.

“This class piqued my interest in financial planning,” she said.

The internship at CAPTRUST confirmed her newly discovered passion. Today, he serves as a senior teaching assistant in the program.

“Helping others develop the skills to guide people towards financial security is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “The most important lesson I have learned is that financial planning is not just about money – it is about people.”

To learn more about the Financial Planning Program, go to https://financialplanning.tamu.edu/.