Universities offering Financial Planning Certificate (US)

For those looking to pursue a career in financial planning, earning a Financial Planning Certificate is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Many top universities in the United States offer certificate programs designed to meet the educational requirements for Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification, which is a widely recognized credential in the financial planning profession. Below are some of the top universities offering Financial Planning Certificate programs in the U.S.

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware (UD) offers a comprehensive Certificate in Financial Planning, which is a joint program between the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies and the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. This program is designed to meet the education requirements for CFP® certification, as approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board). The curriculum is structured to cover the necessary topics in personal finance, investments, tax planning, retirement, and estate planning. Students can expect to complete the program in approximately 12 months, making it a great option for individuals who want to fast-track their career in financial planning. UD has earned a strong academic reputation, being ranked among the top 400 universities globally in the THE-QS World University Rankings, adding credibility and recognition to its certificate program. The combination of the program's structure and UD’s reputable faculty ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the CFP® examination and a successful career in financial planning.

Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) offers an Online Certificate in Financial Planning that is also registered with the CFP Board. The online format allows for flexibility, enabling students to complete the program from anywhere, while still receiving top-tier education in financial planning. The program’s curriculum is aligned with the CFP® certification requirements, ensuring that students are well-equipped to pass the CFP® examination. Florida State University has a strong reputation for offering high-quality education, and its placement as 15th in the Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges (2008 edition) demonstrates the value of its programs. The financial planning certificate from FSU is a great option for those who want to study on their own time and prepare for a successful career in personal financial planning, all while benefiting from the prestigious reputation of FSU.

University of Portland

The University of Portland offers an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning, which is registered with the CFP Board. This program is particularly suited for professionals in related industries, including brokerage, accounting, insurance, and banking, who want to deepen their knowledge of financial planning. The University of Portland's program covers a wide range of topics necessary for comprehensive financial planning, including investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance planning, income tax planning, and the financial planning process itself. The curriculum is designed to be completed in approximately 9 months, making it an excellent choice for busy professionals looking to further their education without putting their careers on hold. The program’s rigorous structure, combined with its focus on practical skills and knowledge, ensures that students are fully prepared to take the CFP® exam and excel in their careers.

Emory University

Emory University, a highly respected institution located in Georgia, offers a Financial Planning Certificate Program that is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers in financial planning. Emory’s program is approved by the CFP Board and is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the financial planning industry. The program is offered in an executive format, with alternating weekend classes that allow students to complete the program in approximately 9 months. This flexible structure is ideal for working professionals who want to gain expertise in financial planning without sacrificing their current career commitments. Emory University’s prestigious standing—being ranked as the only top 20 university in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report in 2010—adds to the value of the Financial Planning Certificate, ensuring that graduates benefit from a high-quality educational experience. Students completing the program will be well-prepared to sit for the CFP® examination and take the next step in their financial planning careers.

New York University

New York University (NYU) offers a highly regarded Certificate in Financial Planning that is designed to help students meet the educational requirements for the CFP® exam. The program is offered in a web-delivered format, making it easy for students to participate in live, interactive online classes that can be accessed at any time. The live lectures are recorded and available for review, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit course material as needed. The nine-month program is designed to cover the essential components of financial planning, including investments, retirement planning, insurance, tax planning, and estate planning. NYU's reputation as a world-class institution ensures that students receive top-quality education, and its financial planning program is no exception. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to sit for the CFP® examination and enter the financial planning profession with confidence.

Duke University

Duke University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, offers an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning that is registered with the CFP Board. The program provides students with the education necessary to sit for the CFP® examination and gain a deeper understanding of personal financial planning. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Duke University certificate of completion, which is a highly respected credential in the financial planning field. This program is designed for working professionals and is structured to provide flexible, high-quality education in financial planning. Duke’s program emphasizes core topics such as retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, investments, and risk management. The program's alignment with CFP® certification requirements ensures that students are well-equipped to take and pass the CFP® exam. Duke University’s ranking as No.1 in Finance by The Princeton Review (2008) further highlights the strength and prestige of its business programs, making this financial planning certificate a great option for those looking to advance their careers in the field.

Conclusion

For individuals looking to pursue a career in financial planning, the Financial Planning Certificate programs offered by top U.S. universities like the University of Delaware, Florida State University, University of Portland, Emory University, New York University, and Duke University provide an excellent educational foundation. Each of these programs is registered with the CFP Board, ensuring that they meet the educational requirements for the CFP® certification. Whether you're a working professional seeking to transition into the financial planning industry or an individual looking to enhance your skills and qualifications, these certificate programs offer valuable opportunities to gain expertise and advance your career. Additionally, the strong reputations of these universities add credibility to the certificate, making graduates well-prepared to succeed in the financial planning field.