Credits Required
21
COST
$520/credit*
*Effective Fall 2024. Subject to change without notice
DELIVERY
Online
START TERMS
All
Improve your career options with a certificate in Financial Planning.
This certificate program is for undergraduate students in a major outside of Family and Consumer Studies (FCS). Students in FCS can earn a bachelor's degree in Financial Planning and Counseling with a Financial Planning emphasis. This degree is available in person and online. If you already have a bachelor's degree, a noncredit certificate option is available.
With a Financial Planning Certificate from the University of Utah, you will fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the CFP Certification Examination. The CFP® Certification is one of the most recognized designations in the financial advising industry. Completing the education requirement is an important step toward the CFP® certification.
In this program, you will learn a broad range of personal financial planning concepts in the areas of insurance and income tax planning, retirement and estate planning, and investment strategies. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for career success and follow guidelines established by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
This certificate is offered by the Department of Family and Consumer Studies.
Undergraduate Certificate in Financial Planning
Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at the University of Utah.
Students who wish to enroll may apply any certificate courses which they have already completed, providing that the grade earned for any such course is a C- or better. Students must fill out and submit the initial registration form of the certificate program, so that the student's information can be registered at CFP® Board.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand will grow 15% through 2029 for personal financial advisors. They also note, "Those who obtain certification will likely have the best prospects."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay is $87,860 annually for personal financial advisors.
As a Certified Financial Planner®, your expertise and credibility can earn more. You will be more likely to reach the top salary of $167,780 annually in the peak of your career.
A new study shows that 9 out of 10 CFP® are very satisfied with their career choice in financial planning. An even higher 92% say they are very satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP® certification, and 91% would recommend CFP® certification to other financial professionals.
Required Courses
- FCS3500 - Financial Skills for Life (3)
- FCS5510 - Building Family Wealth: Investment and Life Insurance Planning (3)
- FCS5520 - Retirement and Benefits Planning for Families (3)
- FCS5530 - Income Tax Planning for Families (3)
- FCS5540 - Protecting & Transferring Family Wealth: Insurance and Estate Planning (3)
- FCS5550 - Family Financial Planning Capstone (3)
Application Deadlines
You must declare the certificate in order for it to be awarded upon graduation. Admission to the program is on a rolling basis, so you may apply any time.
Talk to your academic advisor to declare the certificate.
Department Contacts
Jennifer Stout
Lead Advisor, Family & Consumer Studies