Master of Science (M.S.) in Financial Planning
Master of Science (M.S.) in Financial Planning
Money isn’t just about trading stocks or creating a retirement plan. Money affects people and how they behave, and I strive to uncover how that behavior affects people’s overall financial health.
Athletic Endowed Professor
Overview
Take the next step in your finance career with a flexible and convenient online Master’s in Financial Planning (MFP) from the University of Georgia. This non-thesis online master’s degree program can help bolster your credentials and set you apart from your peers in the industry.
The University of Georgia’s online Master’s in Financial Planning—offered through the College of Family and Consumer Sciences—is designed for individuals who are seeking to begin or advance their career in the area of personal finance. Because the program is 100% online, you can gain experience and expertise that goes beyond certification – all from the comfort and convenience of wherever you are.
What Are The Benefits Of An Online Master’s In Financial Planning?
The online Master’s in Financial Planning provides a flexible way to earn a degree while still meeting the demands of your busy schedule. Courses are scheduled in convenient 8-week increments, allowing you to balance coursework with other life commitments.
By earning a master’s degree you can change your career, pursue advancement in your current role, or continue on to doctoral studies. Online students are granted the same access to online resources, library services, and technical support as all enrolled University of Georgia students to help ensure that you are equipped for success in every way.
Why Choose UGA Online’s Master’s In Financial Planning Program?
As an online graduate of the University of Georgia, you become part of an extensive alumni network and a longstanding tradition of striving for excellence in every pursuit. For over two hundred years, we have been on a mission of leadership and service, and today, we are ranked #16 among the nation’s top public institutions by U.S. News & World Report, with numerous online master’s programs ranked in the top 10 among programs nationwide.
What Can I Do With A Master’s In Financial Planning?
Graduates of the financial planning master’s program are able to pursue careers in settings such as:
- Bank Trust Officer
- Broker-Dealer
- Claims Coordinator
- Client Service Associate
- Financial Advisor
- Private Wealth Analyst
- Private Banker
- Retirement Plan Administrator
- Trading Assistant
- Wealth Advisor
Others, seeking a more entrepreneurial route, could choose to establish their own finance-related practice or business.
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
Credit and Transfer
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 30 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 6
Courses to be transferred onto a graduate student transcript must meet the following requirements: taken in a relevant field at an accredited institution, falls within the 6-year course time limit, received a grade of B or better, and not used to fulfill requirements for another degree.
Master’s In Financial Planning Admission Requirements
GRE or GMAT is optional
Students applying to The University of Georgia must be accepted by the Graduate School. All persons holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for admission.
Application Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International (waived for US veterans).
- Select Campus – Online
- Select Intended Program – MS, Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Economics(Finan Plan Hous and Cons Econ)Non -Thesis[MS_FHCE_NT_O]
- Select Area of Emphasis – Financial Planning
- Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
- Statement of Purpose – Use the Statement of Purpose template for the Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Sciences department and upload it to the Graduate School Admissions application.
- Transcripts – Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended to the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
- Letters of Recommendation – Submit two letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 15
International Applicants
- Fall: April 15
- Spring: October 15
International Applicants – must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Course registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar website provides up-to-date information on registration dates.
Cost
Tuition & Fees
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 $19,995 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
This fully online M.S. degree program operates on a cohort model. Completion requires 31 credit hours and consists of 10 classes offered in 8-week blocks over two years and 1 Graduate First Seminar. Courses are developed and taught by experienced UGA faculty with advanced degrees and recognized industry credentials.
Master’s In Financial Planning Courses
First Year
| Course | Title | Credit |
| 8200E | Financial Planning and Analysis | 3 |
| 6200E | Wealth Management 1 | 3 |
| 7001E | Grad First Seminar | 1 |
| 6205E | Wealth Management 2 | 3 |
| 6210E | Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits | 3 |
| 6250E | Practice Management in Financial Planning | 3 |
Second Year
| Course | Title | Credit |
| 7200E | Financial Counseling & Client Communication | 3 |
| 6220E | Estate Planning | 3 |
| 8025E | Research Evaluation & Theory | 3 |
| 6230E | Family Tax Planning | 3 |
| 7250E | Capstone in Financial Planning | 3 |
**The Capstone Course is a CFP® Board-required course integrating previously mastered concepts through case studies.
NOTE: Only students enrolled in the online degree program are eligible to register for online Master of Financial Planning courses. Exceptions may be granted with special approval by the instructor, the Director of the online program, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Department Head. For full course descriptions, browse our online courses.
Faculty
News & Events
John Grable Explores the Dynamics of Couples’ Finances in New Study
January 6, 2025A recent article in the Albany Herald highlights new research from the University of Georgia that explores how couples manage their finances. The study, which surveyed over 600 married or cohabiting individuals, examines demographic and personal factors that influence whether couples choose to pool their finances or keep them separate.
Build Confidence with Financial Literacy
April 15, 2024Tax day has passed, but building strong financial habits is important year-round. Learn how to improve your financial literacy to improve your financial understanding and confidence. What is financial literacy? Financial literacy is your ability to understand various financial skills, such as budgeting, managing personal finances,…
Net Worth and Agreement on Spending May Influence if Couples Combine Finances
June 21, 2023If you are like Dr. John Grable, an endowed professor in UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences and UGA Online professor, your background may lead you to think that all cohabitating couples combine their finances. Grable’s research demonstrates that it is not so. Research from the…
Testimonials
“The professors provided enough time to get the assignments completed and I was able to schedule out my weeks ahead of time in order to get it all done! I feel like I learned a lot in the program, but you do have to be disciplined to make time each day or week to get the work done.”
Rebecca Wilton, ’19
“The course work from the program catapulted my recovery and I am at a place my doctors never thought I would be able to achieve. This program returned me to the life I had. Dr. Carlson changed my life in a way she probably never even could consider was possible. Without her, my life would be much different. I was living a much different life post-brain hemorrhage than I am today. Without her, I wouldn’t have stayed in the program. Without staying in this program, I would not be where I am today. I cannot thank her enough for her caring and getting behind me when I needed help.”
Tom Schorn, ’20
“I chose this program because UGA is the top-ranking University that offers graduate-level studies in financial planning, it is nationally recognized, and because the online study setting fits perfectly into my lifestyle.”
Andrejs Pilajevs, ’21
“Personal finance is one of those fields where the application of the material is critical. The online program allows me the flexibility to maintain my professional career and do school. I can easily structure my calendar to incorporate school around work. I learned so much about the way clients behave and how their life experiences impact their finances, which is relevant for real-world experiences.”
Da-zha Jones, ’20
“Actually, my boss was the one who suggested UGA. I already work as a financial planner and a financial advisor now, and I got my undergrad degree in finance. My favorite part [about the degree program] so far has been furthering my knowledge in the area, and I can definitely tell through my job that it has helped me with clients and the different financial questions they have.”
Hattie Hutson, ’17
“Being a financial advisor, I handle a lot of clients, so I need that flexibility to be able to do the work at my pace. I can do my work on Saturday or Sunday or even at 12 o’clock at night. It gives students the flexibility to do it at your own time instead of having to be in a classroom at a set time.”
Joel Theis, ’17
Contact Information
Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7946.