Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning (CFP), Certificate
Overview
Certified Financial Planner© (CFP) Board Registered Program
A Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning will prepare you for a career in financial planning while earning valuable credits toward an MBA.
Now more than ever Financial Planners play a key advisory role in helping others navigate their monetary life and chart a course for financial health. The DeSales MBA Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is comprised of six highly-focused classes (18-credits), which will give you a broad understanding of personal and professional financial planning concepts: investments, insurance, income tax, and retirement and estate planning. Once you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, you’ll be eligible to sit for the CFP© Certification Examination.
We offer multiple start dates throughout the year with rolling admission. There are three 12-week terms in the fall, winter, and spring, one six-week term in the summer, two eight-week mid-term sessions in the fall and winter, and one 6-week mid-term session in the spring. You will learn from the same faculty as our top-ranked MBA program, and receive the same personalized service that DeSales University’s MBA program is known for.
Did You Know?
- Finance Manager ranks #2 in the U.S. News and World Report "25 Best Business Jobs" (2023)
- Financial Manager job growth (The Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Will rise by nearly 19% through 2026
- 108,400 new jobs and career advancement opportunities
Admissions Requirements
Admissions for MBA certificates are on a rolling basis.
Apply Online
Deadline: Rolling
Application Checklist
- Completed application
- Current resume
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you attended
- An undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution
- GPAs below a 3.0 are considered on a case by case basis
Additional items for graduate certificates
- Applicants should have earned a bachelor's degree
- Applicants who have not earned a degree in a related field may still be eligible for admission based on professional experience and potential to succeed in the program
Curriculum
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning Courses
As a financial planning professional, you can apply your knowledge in a variety of industries, including accounting, banking, investment brokerage, insurance, and law.
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning requires the following six, 3-credit courses:
- CR506 Financial Management
- FN501 Investment and Portfolio Management
- FN503 Risk Management and Insurance
- FN511 Income Tax Planning
- FN515 Retirement and Estate Planning
- FN517 Financial Plan Development
Academic Catalog
Course Requirements
Facilities
The DeSales University Gambet Center includes state-of-the-art technology and equipment for Business education.
The second floor of the Center is home to the undergraduate business division and the MBA program. Through the Gambet Center, you'll have access to some of the most cutting-edge technologies and softwares, such as Financial Trading Systems (FTS):
- The Fainor Center for Financial Services boasts a live-ticker and trading simulation software.
- The Center for Data Analytics and Applied AI provides education and training, inclusive outreach, and applied projects for our stakeholder organizations.
The Gambet Center is a showcase of green architecture featuring environmentally advanced design consistent with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Fainor Center for Financial Services is used by DeSales University business and finance students. State-of-the-art software simulates real-world market situations and portfolio management.
Tuition & Fees
Program Costs
- Tuition/credit hour: $915*
- Total Cost Grad Certificate (12 credits): $10,980
- Total Cost Master's Degree (36 credits): $32,940**
- Graduation Fee: $120
- Returned Check Service: $30
*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2023/2024 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.
**Does not include Foundation Courses.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets
DeSales University's is an approved training provider with the Pennsylvania state unemployment benefits TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) and WIA (Workforce Investment Act).
DeSales University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to aid in the education of our veterans.
Tuition Deferment
DeSales University offers graduate students the opportunity to defer payment of their tuition when they will be receiving reimbursement from their employer or when they are eligible to receive financial aid. A copy of your employer's tuition reimbursement policy must be forwarded to the Treasurer's Office and/or all necessary financial aid paperwork must be filed with the Financial Aid Office before tuition deferment is granted.
Tuition deferment is a privilege given to graduate students at DeSales and can be revoked if this privilege is abused. Please note that you, as the student, are responsible for payment of your tuition balance in the event that your financial aid/loans or employer reimbursement is not received by the Treasurer's Office.
Tuition Reimbursement
When a student is eligible for tuition reimbursement from his/her employer, written evidence of eligibility is required. The student is responsible for requesting this reimbursement from his/her employer. In cases where reimbursement is contingent upon successful completion of the course(s) and the student either withdraws or does not achieve a grade sufficient to warrant maximum reimbursement, the student is ultimately responsible for payment for the course(s).
Refund on Withdrawal
A refund of tuition payments will be made to a student who withdraws from a course. In all cases, credits will be calculated from the date the student completed the official withdrawal form, and the rebate will be based on the schedule shown listed below.
Refunds apply to tuition only. If a student is allowed to enroll by use of the deferred payment procedure, any funds due the University are immediately due and payable upon withdrawal.
Withdrawal during the add/drop period is 100% of tuition refunded. The schedule below is for withdrawal after the first class after the close of the add/drop period.
- Withdrawal after 1st class: 80% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 2nd class: 65% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 3rd class: 50% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 4th class: 25% of tuition refunded
-
Withdrawal after 5th class: No refund
ACBSP Global Business Accreditation
Business Programs at DeSales University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Download DeSales ACBSP Self Study (pdf)
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