The FAQs on this page are specific to the FFP master's degree and graduate certificate program. Visit our FAQs about IDEA webpage to see a comprehensive list of questions we hear most often from prospective and current students.
How does this program work?
Our program is offered 100% online, so you can study anytime, anywhere!
The faculty in the family financial planning program work collaboratively across six partner universities, providing diverse perspectives on the field, which will provide you with unique experiences you couldn’t get when taking classes from just one university.
Learn more about how this program works within the alliance.
How do I know which university to choose as my home university?
There is a lot to consider when choosing your home university. We've compiled some helpful information in the FFP Student Handbook.
Should I take courses in any particular order?
The program is very flexible. A sequential order of courses is recommended, but not required. However, it is helpful to take Fundamentals for Family Financial Planning, Insurance Planning for Families, and Personal Income Taxation early in the program, and Financial Planning Case Studies (capstone course) near the end.
We recommend you take courses in the following sequence:
Core Courses:
- Fundamentals for Family Financial Planning: While not all programs require Fundamentals, it should be taken if you do not have a background in this field. In addition, if you are interested in sitting for AFC accreditation, you will need this course in order to do so. Fundamentals should not be taken concurrently with other core courses.
- Insurance Planning for Families
- Personal Income Taxation
- Investing for the Family's Future
- Retirement Planning, Employee Benefits, and the Family
- Estate Planning for Families
- Financial Planning Case Studies: All other core courses must be completed prior to enrolling in Case Studies.
- Financial Theory & Research I: This may be taken at any time.
- Financial Counseling: This may be taken at any time.
Electives
- Financial Theory & Research II
- Military Personal Finance
- Housing/Real Estate
- Professional Practices in FFP: This should be taken towards the end of the program after core courses are completed.
- Family Financial Planning - Practicum: This should be taken towards the end of the program after core courses are completed.
- Seminar: Topics vary
How many credit hours should I take in one semester?
Full-time students may typically take 9 credits of coursework in a semester. If working full-time, the reasonable credit load is 3 to 6 credits.
I want to take the CFP® certification exam. Which degree or certificate should I complete?
Hours
CFP
AFC
Master’s Degree
36
X
X
Financial Planning Certificate
18
X
Financial Counseling Certificate
18
X
I want to take the AFC® certification exam. Which degree or certificate should I complete?
Hours
CFP
AFC
Master’s Degree
36
X
X
Financial Planning Certificate
18
X
Financial Counseling Certificate
18
X
What will the title be on my actual degree or certificate when I graduate?
Degree and certificate titles vary by university, but the content is the same.
Participating University
Master’s Degree
Financial Planning Graduate Certificate
Financial Counseling Graduate Certificate
Master of Family and Consumer Sciences: Family Financial Planning
Family Financial Planning Certificate
ISU does not offer this certificate
Master of Science in Health and Human Development
MSU does not offer this certificate
MSU does not offer this certificate
Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science: Family Financial Planning
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
Financial Counseling Certificate
Master of Science: Family Financial Planning
OSU does not offer this certificate
Master of Science
Master of Science
Financial Counseling Certificate
- Expand All
