Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning

The Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning prepares professionals to enter, or advance within, careers in banking, investments, insurance, wealth management and related fields. Financial planners and advisors use their knowledge of investments, tax law, insurance and real estate to recommend financial options to individuals based on their short term and long term financial goals. These options may relate to retirement planning, estate planning, taxes, funding for college, and general investment options. Increased investment by businesses and individuals is expected to result in increased career opportunities for financial planners and advisors.

The Financial Planning program is approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Completion of this 21 credit program allows students to sit for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) examination. Several courses in the curriculum have also been approved for Continuing Education (CE) credits by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

All courses can be completed during evenings and weekends. A maximum of two three-credit courses completed during the last ten years may be applied toward the Certificate in lieu of equivalent required courses. All students must demonstrate computer competency or meet this requirement by completing Computer Applications (MIS 101).

Course Requirements*
ACCT 330	Tax Accounting
FIN 210	Financial Planning
FIN 301	Investments
FIN 310	Employee Benefits and Financial Planning
FIN 315	Principles of Risk Management
FIN 345	Financial Institutions and Markets
FIN 410	Estate Planning

* Descriptions are available in the Course Catalog

Cost and Career Information

In compliance with the “gainful employment” regulations under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, as amended, Mercyhurst is disclosing certain cost and career information to prospective students. You can view this information by clicking here.

Admissions Requirements

B.A. or B.S. degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.5.

Admissions Procedures

Have official college transcripts sent to the Office of Adult & Graduate Programs. Submit a completed Advanced Certificate Application, along with a $30 application fee**.

**You can also choose to apply online for free.