Tomorrow’s financial advisors must have the financial planning knowledge, relationship management skills and technological acumen to help people make smart choices with their financial assets. With the Broad College’s new Master of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program, Spartans can transform their career in a single year and embrace opportunities to help shape the profession.

“The M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program is designed for recent college grads who would like to take the knowledge, skills and experiences from their undergrad degree program and combine it with the technical financial planning skills and client communication tactics to become an outstanding financial planner,” Stephen Schiestel, program director and Addy Professor of Practice of Finance, said. “We are offering this program to help address the need in the industry for young, smart, diverse professionals to join the ranks.”

This new graduate program has been specifically designed to provide students with a strong understanding of the leading-edge concepts and techniques used by advisors to help both individual and institutional clients. Students in this program will gain the skills needed to help a diverse client base as the industry continues to evolve.

“There is a huge need for customer-focused advice for all age, race and ethnic groups,” Schiestel said. “We find that no group is without questions, concerns or needs that a competent, credentialed financial planner can’t provide valuable advice.”

While this master’s degree is a great option for recent college graduates, it can also benefit other types of professionals. From those looking to transition into wealth management to experienced advisors driven to become leaders, this eight-month program offers it all.

In addition, the program is in the process of registering with the Certified Financial Planner Board, with expected approval to come by September 2021. With this designation, Spartan graduates will be eligible to take the CFP exam. Those who earn the CFP certification distinguish themselves among their peers by meeting specific education, examination, experience and ethics requirements.

“CFP registered programs provide students with a much faster path towards earning the credential,” Schiestel said. “By combining the required courses into a degree-granting program, students are able to take the exam upon graduation. Upon passing the exam and obtaining the required years of experience, graduates will be able to add the ‘CFP’ mark after their name as professionals.”

To learn more or to enroll for Fall 2021, visit the M.S. in Financial Planning and Wealth Management program page.