Online Master of Financial Planning and Counseling - Coming Soon

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

• Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
• Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
• Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
• Participate in and guide online discussions.
• Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
• Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

Master of Financial Planning and Counseling from the Department of Family and Consumer Studies. 

All courses at the University of Utah, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members. 

Applicants undergo a comprehensive evaluation process that considers both Graduate School and departmental requirements, taking into account the available pool of candidates. The Graduate School minimum requirements include: 

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, calculated from all undergraduate coursework or from the last two years of undergraduate study; 

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited college or university; 

• Approval from the faculty of the FCS department; and 

• Approval from the Graduate School. 

International students must adhere to additional requirements, and detailed information can be found on the university's official Admissions website. Admissions decisions are based on a thorough assessment of all materials submitted by applicants, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation process. 

We’ll clarify the competency requirements by assessing applicants’ foundational knowledge and relevant skills in financial planning and counseling. Applicants can demonstrate competencies through the following methods: 

• Achieving a grade of B or higher in quantitative reasoning courses (e.g., FCS 3450, FCS 3500, FINAN 1200); or 

• Prior experience in financial planning, financial counseling, or related fields. 

These measures will ensure that all admitted students have a solid foundation to build on with the master’s program. 

The University of Utah’s online Master of Financial Planning and Counseling program is a full-time, two-year program requiring 34 graduate credits. To graduate, you must fulfill the following degree requirements: 

• FCS 5430, 5500, 5510, 5515, 5520, 5525, 5530, 5535, 5540, 5550, 6565, and 6903. 

view program curriculum & requirements

There are three key outcomes: 

• A solid knowledge base in financial planning and counseling. This includes:
  • Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of financial planning, encompassing taxation, investment strategies, risk management, retirement planning, and estate planning. 
  • You’ll comprehend and adhere to pertinent laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing financial planning and counseling.
  • An understanding of the psychological dimensions of financial decision-making and adeptly applying behavioral finance principles to guide clients effectively.
  • Students create a comprehensive financial plan for hypothetical clients, which includes all major areas of financial planning.
• Proficiency in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. This includes:
  • Applying critical thinking skills to analyze intricate financial scenarios, identifying potential challenges, and formulating well-founded solutions.
  • Conducting research on financial trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes, ensuring a current and informed approach to providing advice.
  • Making well-informed decisions through meticulous analysis and evaluation of financial information.
• Adherence to professional practices and ethical behavior. This includes:
  • Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ongoing professional development and staying abreast of industry best practices.
  • Upholding the highest ethical standards in all financial planning and counseling activities, ensuring integrity and client trust.
  • Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for clients from diverse demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

The tuition for the online Master of Financial Planning and Counseling program is $962 per credit. Costs are subject to change.

Explore UOnline's cost breakdown and graduate funding opportunities. 

Note: This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

Application is coming soon!