Invest In A Rewarding Career
It begins today with UA Online.
Take the first step toward becoming a financial planner or counselor by earning your bachelor’s or master’s online with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling.
Where Legends Log In
Through the bachelor’s or master’s in Consumer Sciences, you’ll learn how people relate to their families, work and communities through their finances. Use this knowledge to help clients make educated financial decisions.
Lead the Way
Please complete this form so that we can provide what you need to take your next step with UA Online. Or you can apply right now.
Earn your degree from a name you know and rise with the Tide!
Completion of the bachelor's or master's program fulfills the educational requirement to sit for both the CFP Certification Examination that leads to the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Financial Counselor® exam, which is offered through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education®.
Select from the options below to learn more about each program.
BS in Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling
Through 120 credit hours of coursework, students develop an informed perspective on personal finance to guide investment planning, insurance management, personal retirement and other areas of financial planning.
MS in Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling
In 30 credit hours focused on investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, counseling skills and more, students gain advanced knowledge for careers in financial counseling.
The Family Financial Planning and Counseling Concentration coursework fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the CFP® certification exam that leads to the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP (with flame logo) ®, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. The University of Alabama does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP (with flame logo) ® certification marks. Only the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., grants CFP certification to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board Registered Program, have met ethics, experience, and examination requirements.
UA Online Is Affordable
We believe a quality education should be available at an accessible cost. Our students all benefit from the same distance learning tuition rate, regardless of their state of residency. Financial aid and scholarships are also available for those who qualify.
First Class Free Tuition Grants
We offer multiple tuition grants that cover the tuition cost of your first class. Find out if you qualify for one, and let us show you why UA Online is your best choice in higher education.
Designed for UA alumni returning to earn their next degree with UA Online.
Benefitting prospective students referred by a UA Online student or alum.
Supporting faculty and staff members from Alabama or partner community colleges enrolling in a UA Online degree program.
Available to community college graduates who are newly admitted to a UA Online degree program as first-time transfer students.
Assists former UA students returning to UA to complete their bachelor’s degree online.
Covers tuition costs beyond military tuition assistance for active-duty service members.
You must meet the grant’s specific requirements, apply by the deadline and be in your first semester in one of our online programs.
UA Online and other departments also offer scholarships exclusively for distance students. For more information, visit our scholarships and grants page.
The UA Online Advantage
The Same Degree
A degree earned online from UA is identical to one earned on our main campus! The online format allows you the flexibility to meet life's other demands while you complete your degree. Graduates of our online programs are invited to participate in the same commencement ceremonies as main campus students.
A Respected University
Join a community of legends when you earn a degree from The University of Alabama. With graduates around the globe, the University has a robust alumni network who will greet you with that familiar "Roll Tide" when they find out you're part of the family.
Military Friendly
Our Military Tuition Grant covers tuition costs not paid by military tuition assistance for active-duty military, National Guard and reserve service members pursuing a degree through UA Online. The University of Alabama is a gold-level Tier 1 Research Institution Military Friendly® School, an unlimited Yellow Ribbon School and a top Veteran-Friendly School.
Student Support Services
Your success is why UA Online exists. We provide student success coaches, 24/7 tech support, access to all libraries, mental health services, trainings, workshops and more to keep you on track to achieve your goals.
Take Your Next Step
Our admissions team is ready to provide more information or review your application.