Financial Counseling Certificate

Location(s): Online

View of a wood house with money stacked next to it.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Kathryn Morrison, Assistant Professor
School of Health and Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-5161

Program Information

The program prepares students to apply for the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification, which will prepare you to help individuals and families build a strong financial foundation to help them achieve financial well-being.

Certification and Licensure

To become an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), candidates must complete the education, exam, experience, and ethics requirements. For additional information on AFC® certification, visit the AFCPE website.

Course Delivery Format

The online program has been developed by faculty from the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA). Courses will be entirely internet based and will be taught by faculty within the Alliance (Iowa State University, Montana State University, North Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, South Dakota State University, and University of Nebraska). Courses are offered fall, spring and summer semesters.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will communicate a financial plan with consumers and communities.
Students will recognize ethical standards for financial planners as prescribed by the CFP Board.
Students will demonstrate listening and counseling skills needed to help families with financial management.
Students will calculate time value of money calculation.

Certificate Requirements

CA 612 - Financial Counseling Credits: 3
CA 621 - Financial Theory and Research I Credits: 3
CA 640 - Fundamentals of Family Financial Planning Credits: 3
CA 715 - Housing and Real Estate in FFP Credits: 3

Electives

Select six credits from the following:

CA 595 - Practicum (COM) Credits: 3-6 (3 credits required)
CA 645 - Military Personal Financial Readiness Credits: 3
CA 660 - Investing for Family’s Future Credits: 3
CA 680 - Insurance Planning for Families Credits: 3
CA 704 - Estate Planning for Families Credits: 3
CA 725 - Family, Employment Benefits and Retirement Planning Credits: 3
CA 735 - Personal Income Taxation Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 18

Additional Admission Requirements

TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

Please refer to the following for additional information: Graduate School Admission

Additional Information

Students enrolled in SDSU certificate programs are not eligible for federal student financial aid. The non-federal alternative loan programs may be used for students meeting the lender criteria as found at www.sdstate.edu (search alternative loans). For further information, please contact the SDSU financial aid office at 605-688-4695 or finaid@sdstate.edu.