Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MS in Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN
Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling

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Program Overview

An online master’s degree in Consumer Sciences can prepare you for a rewarding career as a financial counselor or advisor. Graduates holding this degree from The University of Alabama can assist families as they focus on asset management, planning, investing and financial decision-making.

  • Program Format

    Online

  • Credit Hours

    30

  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Build a Career as a Financial Planner

In this concentration, students will study economic and social influences on the family and learn how to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals. By taking two courses each semester, students may complete this MS degree in less than two years.

Those who earn their degree in the Financial Planning and Counseling concentration from UA develop a more holistic approach to financial planning that focuses on the client’s financial and non-financial goals when creating a long-term financial plan.

By studying online through UA, you will become part of the Crimson Tide family as you learn from the same experienced professionals who teach on campus. Many of the professors who teach in this program have not only studied financial planning, but they have also worked in a financial role for major corporations. You will be able to learn from and network with some of the best minds in the industry.

Students who successfully complete the concentration may sit for the CFP Certification Examination that leads to the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

The degree fulfills the educational requirement to sit for the Accredited Financial Counselor® exam, which is offered through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education®.

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.

  • Application DeadlineJuly 1 for fall admission; November 15 for spring admission; April 15 for summer admission
  • RankingListed #1 in the South by the independent financial advisor's industry magazine, "Financial Planning"
  • AccreditationThe Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education

Curriculum

Students must earn 30 hours of coursework including 27 hours in the area of family financial planning & counseling and 3 hours of electives. The following courses are available online as well as on the UA campus. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Required Courses (27 hours)

  • CSM 500 Personal Insurance Planning and Management
  • CSM 504 Personal Investment Planning and Management
  • CSM 510 Personal Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits
  • CSM 520 Personal Estate Planning
  • CSM 535 Psychology of Money
  • CSM 554 Personal Income Tax Management and Planning
  • CSM 558 Spreadsheets in Financial Decisions
  • CSM 559 Techniques of Counseling in Consumer Sciences
  • CSM 560 Financial Planning Case Study Capstone

Students must also conduct a culminating experience prior to graduation, often in the form of practicum, a portfolio or a capstone project.

Suggested Electives (select 3 hours)

  • CSM 525 Conflict Resolution for the Workplace
  • CSM 530 Family and Consumer Law for Non-Lawyers
  • CSM 537 Developing the Leader Within
  • CSM 581 Practicum
  • Or any 500 level CSM course approved by the advisor

Prerequisite undergraduate courses: Introduction to Personal Financial Planning (CSM 204), Introduction to Microeconomics (EC 110) and an introductory statistics (ST 260 or BER 345). Must have earned a C or better.

A degree in Family Financial Planning and Counseling will set you on the path to pursue several careers.

If you are considering a Family Financial Planning and Counseling degree, you will learn the skills necessary to pursue several career paths. The beauty of our degree lies in its flexibility. Here are some of the career opportunities with our BS and MS in FFPC degree.

CFP® professionals are at the forefront of financial planning. They work closely with clients to develop comprehensive financial strategies and offering expertise in areas like retirement planning, investment management, estate planning and tax optimization.

Wealth managers focus on high-net-worth individuals and families. They provide customized solutions for complex financial situations, aiming to maximize clients’ financial well-being and preserve their wealth.

If you have a keen interest in financial markets and investment strategies, a career as an investment analyst may be ideal. These professionals research and assess investment opportunities, helping clients make informed decisions.

Insurance planners specialize in risk management and protection. They evaluate clients’ insurance needs, recommending appropriate policies to safeguard against unexpected financial losses.

Estate planners help individuals and families develop plans to ensure the smooth transfer of assets and wealth to their heirs while minimizing taxes and legal complications.

Banks and financial institutions employ financial advisors to provide advice and services to their clients. These professionals offer a wide range of financial products and solutions.

Many financial planners choose to work independently, either as sole practitioners or in small firms. This path provides the freedom to tailor services to individual client needs and build a personal brand.

If you have a passion for teaching and research, you can pursue a career in academia. Become a professor and educate the next generation of financial professionals.

Financial services are subject to regulations and standards. Employees in this area ensure that financial professionals adhere to these rules and maintain ethical practices.

The finance industry is rapidly evolving, and technology plays a significant role. You can work in financial technology, developing innovative tools and platforms that enhance the financial industry.

Become an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC™), empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being. Offer guidance on budgeting, debt management and setting financial goals. Inspire clients to make positive financial decisions.

Help clients navigate credit issues, improve their credit scores and manage debt effectively. Become a trusted resource for financial guidance.

Specialize in housing-related financial matters, assisting individuals in buying homes, avoiding foreclosure and making informed housing decisions.

Guide students and graduates in managing their student loans, exploring repayment options and finding relief from student debt burdens.

Serve those in the military community by providing financial education and assistance. Help them navigate unique financial challenges.

Join organizations focused on financial education and empowerment, working with communities, schools or government agencies to promote financial literacy.


Brad Marx, a dedicated fire chief, has spent his career caring for his community and ensuring the safety of others. When he set his sights on earning a master’s degree, Brad needed a program that fit around his busy schedule. After much research, Brad realized the master’s in Family Financial Planning and Counseling through The University of Alabama Online provided the resources and flexibility he needed to succeed.

Hear about Brad Marx’s experience in the master’s in Family Financial Planning and Counseling program and how a degree from UA Online changed his life.

Admission

This program requires formal admission and the following:

  • At least one of the following GPAs (on a 4.0 scale)
    – An overall 3.0 GPA
    – An overall 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester hours
    – A 3.0 GPA in your graduate program
  • If your GPA is lower than recommended, you may be considered for admission with additional requirements. Please check with your prospective program for more information.
  • Minimum of two recommendation letters
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose

When completing the online application:

  • Select Consumer Sciences as the major
  • Mark the track in Family Financial Planning and Counseling
  • Indicate distance learning if you will be completing the program online

Upon admission, the student will be referred to an academic advisor in the Department of Consumer Sciences who will assist the student in designing a personalized academic plan.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.

For more program specific questions, please email Dr. Kyoung Kim at ktkim@ches.ua.edu

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Program Information

Trevor McGhee
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
trevorm.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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