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

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Environmental Sciences in
Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling

Online

Program Overview

Learn to guide clients to reach their financial goals by earning your bachelor’s degree in HES, Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family and Financial Planning and Counseling. This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue your professional aspirations in financial planning and related careers.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
120
Tuition Per Hour
$385

Help Others Make Financial Decisions

Our program teaches sound personal finance principles to help your clients reduce their debt, build an emergency fund, develop a budget, make investments and many other important skills. By studying consumer sciences, you will develop a holistic approach to financial planning that focuses on improving individual and family quality of life through the effective use of resources and informed consumer behavior.

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.

Recognized as a Leader in Online Education
Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
AccreditationBoard of Standards for Certified Financial Planners
Are test scores required?ACT and SAT scores are not required through the Fall 2024 entry term

Curriculum

This 120 semester hour program includes General Education requirements, Major courses, Family Financial Planning & Counseling courses and electives. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Major Courses

CSM 201 Individual Family Resource Management
CSM 204 Introduction to Personal Financial Planning or CSM 205 Honors Introduction to Personal Financial Planning
CSM 225 Confidence in Conflict
CSM 303 Consumer Decisions
CSM 381 Consumer Marketing Management or MKT 300 Marketing
CSM 401 Consumer Protection
ST 260 Statistical Data Analysis or PY 211 Elementary Statistical Methods, SOC 301 Social Statistics, BER 345 Educational Statistics, CJ 381 Statistics

View more information about this program through the University’s catalog.

Family Financial Planning and Counseling Courses

AC 210 Accounting
CSM 300 Time Value of Money
CSM 400 Personal Insurance Planning and Management
CSM 404 Personal Investment Planning and Management
CSM 410 Personal Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits
CSM 420 Personal Estate Planning
CSM 435 Psychology of Money
CSM 454 Personal Income Tax Management and Planning
CSM 458 Using Spreadsheets for Financial Decision Making
CSM 459 Consumer Counseling Skills
CSM 460 Financial Planning Case Study Capstone

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.

Admission

To apply for formal admission to any of the undergraduate degree programs offered through UA Online, you must complete an admissions application and submit transcripts from all colleges previously attended. Transfer students considering admission should review UA’s transfer information and policies.

Applicants must meet one of the following admission requirements:

If you have earned more than 24 college-level credit hours at the time of your application to the University, you will need to meet the transfer student admission requirement of a minimum 2.0 overall college GPA.
If you have earned less than 24 college-level credit hours at the time of your application to the University, you will need to meet both the 2.0 overall college GPA required for transfer students, as well as Admission Requirements for Freshmen Students. If high school graduation was more than four years ago, ACT/SAT scores are not required.

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

Department of Consumer Sciences Contact: csm@ches.ua.edu