The Family Studies and Human Services department offers a Master of Science degree in Family Studies and Human Services with a specialization in personal financial planning. The inter-institutional master’s degree program in personal financial planning and the graduate certificate program in personal financial planning draw on the expertise of graduate faculty and graduate courses from seven universities, members of the Great Plains IDEA, a consortium of major Midwestern universities. The Internet-based personal financial planning curriculum lets you do course work at convenient times for you. Upon completion of the master’s degree curriculum, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner certification examination.
These courses in personal financial planning and counseling enable you to:
- Enhance your personal financial knowledge
- Complete a master’s degree from any of the participating universities
- Develop competencies that may lead to professional certification by CFP Board
This program consists of 42 semester credit hours. Students typically complete the program in three years while employed full time. Students who participate in full-time study can shorten the time to degree completion.
You need a computer meeting the minimum specifications, the capability to access and download materials from the Internet and a browser equivalent to Netscape/Explorer 4.0 or newer. An e-mail address is essential as well as access to a VCR (VHS) and FAX.
K-State Degree Program
All students applying to the master’s in personal financial planning program at K-State will complete the first six courses leading to completion of the K-State graduate certificate in personal financial planning. All courses are required for the master’s degree, and upon completion of the certificate portion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the CFP Certification Examination. Students automatically flow into the Great Plains IDEA upon successful completion of the graduate certificate in personal financial planning.
Apply Early
Enrollment in the program is limited so enroll early! Students must first apply to graduate school and be accepted into the program prior to enrollment. Course registration will be confirmed by an email within 24 hours.
Early application deadline for the fall semester is May 1. All graduate application materials must reach us no later than June 15 to ensure admission for the fall semester. October 1 is the application deadline to begin the program in the spring.
KSU Admission Instructions: To request an application, or check on the status of an application, please contact Kim Misenhelter.
Download Program Information Packet
You select the institution to be your degree conferring institution. This institution will award your degree upon successful completion of the program of study. Each course has a maximum enrollment; and those who have been admitted to a degree program at one of the participating universities will be given preference for space in the class. Contact persons can provide specifics about admission and placement on wait-lists.
Graduate Record Examination
Kansas State University does not require the GRE for admission into the masters in personal financial planning program.
Course Registration
Your Great Plains IDEA campus coordinator will send instructions and course registration materials for each course. Students enroll for all courses through their home institution, even when courses are taught at another participating university. This means students will have only one enrollment process to complete and one check to write. All coursework completed will immediately be recorded on your K-State transcript. Financial aid may also be easier to secure.
Tuition and Fees
As stated above, students admitted to the program at Kansas State University enroll at K-State for all courses, whether they are taught at KSU or at a participating university. Beginning in fall 2005, all courses will have a common price of $395 per credit hour ($1185 per course). This price will cover all course costs except textbook or course packet purchases. K-State accepts credit cards for tuition payments.
Financial Aid
To qualify for financial aid, graduate students must be enrolled in 5 semester hours in the fall and spring semesters (half-time), and 3 hours in the summer. FAFSA forms must be filled out for all government loan programs. This form uses last year’s income. If you’ve had a change in circumstances (i.e., quit work to go to school, have large moving or medical expenses) contact the financial aid office. They may be able to adjust your aid package based on this information. Student Financial Assistance provides financial aid forms, a student guide, counseling and more.
K-State does accept VA tuition assistance for distance education courses. More information on this option can be obtained by contacting Lorene Dahm at (785) 532-7061.
Kansas State University does not offer scholarships for part-time graduate students. To qualify for any scholarships, students must be enrolled in nine hours of graduate work. Most assistance for graduate students comes in the form of graduate assistantships. If you live in or near Manhattan and are interested in information on available assistantships, please contact Connie Fechter.
Classroom Instruction
Most courses use Internet classrooms. Some have supplemental materials on videos or CDs and others may require phone conferencing. Interactivity between students and professor is through e-mail, phone conferencing and the Internet classroom.
Course Materials
Textbooks and supplemental materials are required for each course and are the responsibility of the students. Approximate cost is $75-125 per course.
Transfer of credits
The Dean of Graduate Studies of the degree-awarding institution will maintain a transcript for students matriculated at that university. Each semester, course rosters and grade sheets will be transferred between institutions allowing the grades to be automatically, and immediately, recorded on the student’s transcript.
For more information, contact Kim Misenhelter by e-mail, or by phone at (785) 532-1480.
