Online M.S. in Family Financial Planning | University of Nebraska-Lincoln


Online M.S. in Family Financial Planning | University of Nebraska-LincolnMaster of Science (M.S.)

The online Master's in Family Financial Planning degree focuses on the improvement of economic well being while providing preparation for CFP certification.

Students in this specialization enhance personal financial knowledge, complete a master's degree and develop competencies that can lead to the Certified Financial Planner designation by the CFP International Board of Standards. The program focuses on the efforts of households to improve their economic well-being through effective use of resources, and on the economic and social systems that enhance or constrain these efforts. The degree prepares students for further graduate study or for work in human services, Cooperative Extension, the private sector or the public sector. This online financial planning curriculum lets you do course work when it's convenient for you. 

The program was developed by Great Plains IDEA, a consortium of ten Midwestern universities, including the University of Nebraska. You can complete the program through any of the participating universities. When you select the University of Nebraska, you will take classes from the other participating universities: Iowa State, Kansas State, Montana State, North Dakota State, Oklahoma State University, and South Dakota State. Your credits from those institutions will be placed on your NU transcript.

What will you learn in the Family Financial Planning program?

  • Apply a systems approach in working with individuals and families relative to financial management
  • Integrate financial planning content areas (housing & real estate, insurance, investments, personal income taxation, retirement, and estate planning) into the development of financial plans and targeted financial planning recommendations that meet specific individual and family need sets
  • Effectively apply verbal, written, and graphic communication and presentation skills to client presentations
  • Synthesize and integrate complex and conflicting information sources into cohesive, defendable recommendations for clients

Careers

  • Real Estate
  • Investments
  • Retirement
  • Tax and Estate Planning
  • Personal Financial Advisor
  • Budget Analysis
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Manager
  • Insurance Underwriters

Application to this program

Required Application Materials:

1. Graduate Studies Application
2. Unofficial Transcripts
3. Resume
4. Statement of Professional Goals
In your Statement of Professional Goals, address the following: 
-What personal and/or professional experiences have led you to want to pursue a degree in Family Financial Planning?
-What are your professional goals and how will this degree help you achieve those? 
-This is an on-line program.  Please describe your academic strengths and weaknesses related to successfully managing on-line coursework.  If you do not have prior academic experience in on-line courses, please indicate so.  
5. Three Letters of Reference

Other Application Materials

Great Plains IDEA Overview

Great Plains IDEA is a consortium of 19 renowned public universities from across the U.S., offering online degree and certificate programs. Through Great Plains IDEA, you will receive engaging online instruction in high-demand professional fields from faculty across the country. Faculty collaborate closely and have developed a student-centric online academic environment that maximizes learning and preparation for career advancement.

Visit the Great Plains IDEA online Family Financial Planning Master's Degree program page here.

Course Registration

Your campus coordinator will send instructions and course registration materials for each course. You will register for the course and pay tuition and fees to your home institution.

Course Enrollment

There is only one enrollment process you need to complete through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, even though the course may be taught by another institution. All course-work completed will immediately be recorded on your UNL-transcript. During the 2022-23 academic year the cost of a three credit course is $1,800. You may enroll by completing a registration form that will be e-mailed to you 2-3 months before the semester/summer courses begin. A deadline for enrollment is established to allow sufficient time for Great Plains IDEA Universities to share course enrollment information and communicate course information to you prior to the beginning of classes. Upon processing of your registration, you will receive a bill.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is $600.00 per credit hour for all distance education graduate students as of Fall 2022. Anticipate yearly increases in tuition.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Degree Requirements

The master's degree program requires 36 semester credit hours. Most students complete the master's program in three years while working a full-time job. The degree, a Master of Science in Child, Youth and Family Studies with a specialization in Family Financial Planning, is made up of the following courses:

Core Courses:

Elective Courses:

(Only 9 credits of elective courses required)

*These courses are required for the Family Financial Planning Certificate. Students wishing to receive a certificate while pursuing their Master's Degree should speak with their advisor.

Faculty advising students in this program area include: