Q: What is the MPAS ® designation, and how do I obtain it?

The MPAS ® is a unique designation available only to graduates of the College’s Master of Science Degree Program in Personal Financial Planning. It is ideal for individuals who are employed at firms that exclusively reimburse for designations and certifications. Upon graduation, you can apply for the designation at any time. There is no charge to initially obtain the designation; however, designees must complete renewal requirements every two years to maintain it. A detailed list of the requirements can be found on our designation renewal page.

Question 1

Is the Master of Science Degree Program accredited?

Accepted Answer

The Master of Science Degree in Financial Planning is an accredited program by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Full details can be found on the HLC website. This degree program is also approved as an education requirement by the Certified Financial Planner (CFP)* board for those looking to sit for their CFP Certification.

*The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP), is a Washington, D.C.-based independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to benefit the public by granting, upholding and promoting the Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) certification.

Question 2

What are the requirements to enroll in the Master of Science Degree Program?

Accepted Answer

Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning requires the following:

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
The equivalent bachelor's and/or graduate degree from a foreign Institution*

A complete listing of all graduate degree requirements may be found in the Graduate Student Handbook*

Question 3

How many courses/credits are needed to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning?

Accepted Answer

Completing the Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning requires a total of 30 credit hours. It consists of 10 courses that are worth three credit-hours each. Eight of the courses are required while two of the courses are electives.

Question 4

What transfer credit is available for the Master of Science Degree Program?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple programs and courses that may be eligible for transfer credit into the Master of Science Degree Program in Personal Financial Planning:

Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor, APMA^®
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, AWMA^®
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC^®
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, CRPS^®
Chartered SRI Counselor, CSRIC™
College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company CFP^® education program

For more information on transfer credit please view our student handbook for details.

Question 5

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are calculated for students in accordance with the refund policy. The full program policy can be found here.

Question 6

Is the Graduate Student handbook available online?

Accepted Answer

A complete list of the Master of Science Degree Program policies can be found in our Graduate Student Handbook.

Question 7

What is the MPAS^® designation, and how do I obtain it?

Accepted Answer

The MPAS^® is a unique designation available only to graduates of the College’s Master of Science Degree Program in Personal Financial Planning. It is ideal for individuals who are employed at firms that exclusively reimburse for designations and certifications.

Upon graduation, you can apply for the designation at any time. There is no charge to initially obtain the designation; however, designees must complete renewal requirements every two years to maintain it. A detailed list of the requirements can be found on our designation renewal page.

Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning

How the program works:

Terms