Master of Science in Financial Planning

Edward S. Ageno School of Business

In the spring of 2000, the Department of Finance and Economics at Golden Gate University introduced a new degree, the master of science in financial planning. This degree is designed for students who aspire to become financial planners, investment advisers or money managers, or who may be interested in one of the many elements - estate planning, insurance, taxes, real estate, for example - of this broad and rapidly-growing field. Golden Gate University has one of the oldest accredited programs in financial planning in the country, having offered our first courses more than 20 years ago. Now, with this new program, our students will have the opportunity to move into the 21st century equipped with the latest skills, with appropriate professional credentials, and with advanced academic degrees.

At the heart of this new degree is a core of courses that examine the key functions of financial planning: financial planning principles, income tax planning, risk management, estate planning, investments, and employee benefits and retirement planning. Not only do these courses provide the academic foundation of the discipline, they also satisfy the educational requirements necessary for the premier Certified Financial Planner™ designation; thus, students can prepare to sit for the CFP™ exam while they are earning an advanced academic degree in financial planning.*

All of the coursework necessary to complete the MS in financial planning is available via the internet, through Golden Gate University's innovative CyberCampus, as well as in traditional classroom settings. You may mix and match cyber-courses and classroom offerings to create schedules that are flexible and convenient.

The MS in financial planning degree requires completion of 30 units of advanced program course work, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (B) or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University. Courses carry three semester units of credit unless otherwise noted. Individual foundation program courses may be waived if the student has previously completed comparable courses at a regionally accredited college or university. Students may be admitted to advanced program courses before completion of the entire foundation program, but must complete the foundation program by the time that twelve (12) units have been earned in the advanced program.

MATH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT

Students admitted to this program are expected to possess a level of mathematical skill at least equivalent to College Algebra (MATH 30) or Mathematics for Management (MATH 200).

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a working familiarity with computers and software applications appropriate for graduate studies. Deficiencies in computer proficiency may require additional work as determined by the faculty.

FOUNDATION PROGRAM - 12 units
· ACCTG 201 Accounting for Managers
· ECON 202 Economics for Managers
· FI 203 Financial Analysis for Managers
· MATH 240 Data Analysis for Managers

ADVANCED PROGRAM - 30 units

Core Courses - 24 units
· FI 420 Personal Financial Planning
· FI 421 Personal Investment Management
· FI 422 Retirement & Employee Benefits Planning
· FI 425 Income Tax Planning
· FI 426 Estate Planning
· FI 430 Business Development in Financial Services
· FI 434 Cases in Financial Planning
· FI 483 Insurance Planning

Electives - 6 units
Any two 300- or 400-level graduate courses for a total of 6 units. FI 497 Internship: Finance may be taken for three (3) of these units.