About the Program

The Master of Science in Family Financial Planning is a 30-credit, 100% online graduate program. The program prepares professionals to support the financial well-being of individuals and families through financial planning, counseling, education, and community-based practice. Grounded in a family-centered approach, coursework integrates financial knowledge with an understanding of how family relationships, human development, financial behavior, values, goals, and broader contexts shape financial decision-making.

The program prepares students for a range of professional pathways, including comprehensive financial planning, financial counseling and coaching, financial education, Extension, nonprofit and community-based practice, and related fields. Students can use elective coursework to further tailor the degree to their individual career goals. The program also provides coursework aligned with two nationally recognized professional credentials:

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification: Students interested in comprehensive financial planning can complete six designated courses (insurance, investing, retirement and employee benefits, estate planning, taxation, and financial plan development) that fulfill the coursework requirement for CFP® certification exam eligibility.
  • Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) certification: Foundational coursework (fundamentals of financial planning and financial counseling) meets the educational requirements to sit for the AFC® exam and prepares students for work in financial counseling, coaching, and education.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the program is offered 100% online. Students may take one or two courses per semester while balancing work and other commitments or follow a more intensive course sequence to complete the 30-credit degree in three to four semesters.

What Can I Do with a Master's Degree in Family Financial Planning?

Graduates are prepared for careers that help individuals and families navigate financial decisions and strengthen financial well-being and security across the life course. Career pathways include comprehensive financial planning, financial counseling and coaching, financial education, Extension, nonprofit and community organizations, and independent practice. The program develops the technical knowledge, professional judgment, communication skills, and family-centered perspective needed to work effectively with individuals and families in a variety of professional settings.

Applying for the Program

Graduates are prepared for careers that help individuals and families navigate financial decisions and strengthen financial well-being and security across the life course. Career pathways include comprehensive financial planning, financial counseling and coaching, financial education, Extension, nonprofit and community organizations, and independent practice. The program develops the technical knowledge, professional judgment, communication skills, and family-centered perspective needed to work effectively with individuals and families in a variety of professional settings.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students in the program pay MSU online-only graduate tuition rates and may qualify for financial aid. For information about financial aid eligibility and available resources, please contact the MSU Financial Aid Office.

Questions?

Have questions about the program or want to explore whether it aligns with your educational and professional goals? Please feel free to reach out to the faculty graduate coordinator:

Nicole Wanago, PhD
Assistant Professor
nicole.wanago@montana.edu