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Financial Literacy Education Endorsement and Certificate

Financial Literacy Education Endorsement and Certificate

Portrait of Kimberly Watkins, Assistant Professor of Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, outside the Charles Schwab Financial Planning Center.

The personal in personal finance is just that – personal! There is no one-size-fit all approach. My hope is that my work helps to shed light on the issues that specific groups face that may not match up with traditional financial advice.

Kimberly Watkins

Assistant Professor

Overview

The vision and mission of the UGA Financial Planning program and the Mary Frances Early College of Education in the Financial Literacy Education Endorsement and Certificate program are to prepare students to teach financial literacy in grades 6-12 by meeting the standards of the Ga PSC.  Students will meet the standards adapted from the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics (2021) and Personal Finance Standards (2021) from the Council for Economic Education.  By completing the endorsement/certificate, students will complete courses that support content knowledge in the fundamentals of Economic Decision Making, Personal Finance, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and International issues.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for the Online Financial Literacy Education Endorsement and Certificate

(1) an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Additional Admission Requirements for Certified Teachers seeking the Endorsement.

(1) candidate’s valid, T-4 or higher Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, and (2) course grades of C or higher in all courses within a degree program prior to application for endorsement entry

Online Financial Literacy Education Endorsement and Certificate Application Checklist

  1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75.
  2. Select Campus – Online 
  3. Select Degree Level – Certificate
  4. Select Intended Program – CERG, Financial Literacy (Math, Science, & Social Studies Ed) [CERT_2FLI_ON]
  5. Select Intended Term –  Summer
  6. Résumé or curriculum vitae – Submit online to the Graduate School.
  7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
  8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

Summer: May 1

International Applicants

Summer: April 15

Cost

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website for current tuition and fees.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades.

The complete cost of attendance can be found at the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Curriculum

15 credit hours required for the Financial Literacy Education Endorsement and Certificate, which can be completed in one or two summer semesters.

CourseTitleCredit Hours
ESOC 7030ETeaching Economics3
FHCE 6200EAdvanced Wealth Management3
FHCE 6210EAdvanced Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits3
FHCE 7200EAdvanced Financial Counseling and Client Communications3
FHCE 8200EFinancial Planning and Analysis3

For students who are not certified teachers, completing this Endorsement/Certificate will not lead to teacher certification.

Faculty

News & Events

Kimberly Watkins Named One of 20 Professionals Shaping Wealth Management in 2026 by Financial Planning

February 3, 2026

Kimberly Watkins, Assistant Professor in the online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy program, has been named one of Financial Planning’s 20 people who will shape wealth management in 2026, an annual recognition spotlighting individuals expected to influence the industry in the coming year.

Kimberly Watkins Brings Real-Life Experience to Financial Therapy and Planning

February 26, 2025

Dr. Kimberly Watkins, an Assistant Professor in UGA’s Online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy program, knows firsthand how money can strain relationships

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7946.

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