Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy

Overview

Offered through UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences, The Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Planning and Financial Therapy is designed to prepare students in financial planning with knowledge of the psychological and relational aspects that drive financial decision-making in the financial planning profession.  The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards has recently added client psychology as a learning objective, as they recognize the need for financial planners to understand the human aspects of money.

Behavioral financial therapy is a relatively new field that combines the principles of financial planning with the insights of psychology to help clients overcome financial stress and achieve greater financial well-being. The certificate is designed for financial and mental health professionals who want to meet the educational requirements of the CFT-1™ certification provided by the Financial Therapy Association and who desire to improve their knowledge and skill of working with their clients around money.

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).

College of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

Admissions

Admission Requirements

All requirements for admission to this online graduate certificate program will be the same as those for the current graduate programs in FHCE. Applicants should have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, or a 3.5 GPA for graduate coursework. The applicants will be assessed based on a combination of their  Statement of Purpose, and a resume. The entire application package for the student will be reviewed before a decision is made.

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

Online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
2. Select Campus – Online 
3. Select Degree Level – Certificate
4. Select Intended Program – (CERT_2BFP)
5. Select Intended Term – Spring
6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
7. Statement of Purpose – Use this Word document or this pdf to submit a one to 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 

• Spring:  November 15

International Applicants

• Spring:  October 15

Cost

Tuition

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $9,925 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

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). 

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

The online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy requires the completion of 15 credit hours.

FHCE 6270E, Behavioral Economics and Financial Planning for Families (3 hours)

FHCE 7200E, Advanced Financial Counseling and Client Communication (3 hours)

FHCE 7205S, Clinical Practicum in Financial Planning (3 hours)

FHCE 8500E, Survey of Financial Therapy (3 hours)

FHCE 8550E, Money and Relationships (3 hours)

Note: FHCE 8200, Financial Planning and Analysis, or equivalent, is the prerequisite for FHCE 7200, FHCE 7205S, FHCE 8500, and FHCE 8550. If a student has not taken the equivalent of FHCE 8200 nor obtained a CFP® or AFC®, they will be notified that they need to take the course as a pre-requisite.

Faculty

News & Events

Contact Information

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

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