Personal financial planning

Master of Science

“What’s the difference between a traditional and a Roth IRA?” “How can I save up for a down payment while still putting aside money for retirement?” “How do I start planning to pay for my kids’ college education?” Consumers today have numerous tools at their fingertips for maximizing their finances. However, the language of growth and investments can be complex and unpredictable. As a result, some hesitate to make their move or bypass products that could bolster their desired outcome.

Here's where a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP™) comes in. Those with the designation serve as guides to a bevy of financial products — introducing what they do and explaining their risks and benefits. Beyond presenting these options in more digestible forms, these professionals help individuals and families chart a roadmap toward their short- and long-term financial goals.

If you’ve already embarked on a business career or aim to help others invest in themselves, Mizzou Online's master of science in personal financial planning program gives you the foundation to confidently empower clients as they make decisions about their futures. At the same time, completing all requirements qualifies you to sit for the CFP® exam.

With this knowledge, you’ll light the way ahead through a confusing landscape, during which you’ll assess clients’ specific risks and steer them toward insurance, planning and portfolio decisions in line with various life and financial milestones.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

About the Online Master's in Personal Financial Planning Program

Consumers shouldn’t need a finance degree to make accurate decisions about their futures. But for many, deciphering the differences between investment types, insurance policies and life-planning products requires extensive research. Even then, they find themselves asking, “Did I make the right choice?”

Give clients a deeper sense of certainty — no matter if they’re getting serious about retirement, exploring life insurance policies or hoping to contribute to their children’s education. Mizzou Online’s dedicated program levels up your expertise and skills so you can add that sought-after CFP® designation after your name:

• A fully online format gives you the flexibility to continue working as you grow your credentials or prepare to switch fields.
• Learn about imparting financial advice to individuals and families from leading faculty practitioners and researchers.
• Interact with professionals and scholars like yourself, expanding your network in the process.
• Delve into all types of financial products while strengthening your analytical skills to develop informed strategies tailored to each client.