MSFP | Master of Science in Financial Planning Program

MSFP | Master of Science in Financial Planning Program
program
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MSFP
Master of Science in Financial Planning
Best For
Financial advisors and practice leaders seeking planning mastery skills.
Timing
15 Months
Format
The MSFP is a hybrid learning program including a required residency and some live virtual classes. Learn more below.
Hybrid
Tuition
$2,050 per course
Packages starting at $5,227.50
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Achieve Planning Mastery
Build Advanced Expertise
Meet complex client needs with a flexible, modular graduate program that delivers real-world planning expertise.
Finish in 15 Months
Accelerate your education without compromising depth — complete your MSFP in as little as 15 months.
Customize Your Learning
Choose from four tracks and seven graduate certificates to tailor your degree to your unique career goals.
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Get Your Questions Answered
Register Now for a Free Info Session
If you’re seeking to master financial planning and get deep knowledge and insights, you’ve come to the right place. Sign up for a free info session now and see how MSFP can power your growth!
Register Now
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Planning Mastery for Practice Leaders
Explore the MSFP Program
Watch how this applied master’s degree program delivers unique value to professionals seeking to deliver the highest level of client service and develops masters in financial planning.
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Program Overview
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Admissions Requirements
The prerequisite for this program is an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Below is a list of the standard requirements when applying to the MSFP Program:
A completed MSFP Program application and $50 application fee.
An official transcript demonstrating the completion of a bachelor’s degree program.
A resume/CV
For the Advanced Planning, Leadership, and Interdisciplinary Studies tracks, additional documentation is required to demonstrate years of experience and designations earned.
To receive the MSFP, you must:
Successfully complete 10 courses, including one residency course
Online courses are conducted synchronously and asynchronously
Residency class sessions meet on campus in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
View more information
and upcoming residency dates
What You'll Learn
Earning your MSFP unlocks advanced expertise in the areas that matter most to your career and your clients. Whether you're building foundational planning skills, deepening your knowledge in specialized areas, or preparing for an advanced leadership role, the MSFP gives you the options to focus on the skills and knowledge you need most.
With customizable tracks and stackable certificates, you’ll gain the expertise to meet complex client needs, lead with confidence, and grow your impact across the financial services industry.
Your learning outcomes may include:
Advanced strategies in tax planning, estate planning, retirement income, and investment planning
Behavioral finance, financial psychology, and client communication techniques
Leadership development in team building, decision-making, and organizational strategy
Business valuation, succession planning, and small business transition strategies
Practical application of insurance, legacy planning, and philanthropic strategies
Course Delivery
The MSFP program is designed with working professionals in mind—delivering a flexible, modular learning experience that lets you advance your career without putting it on hold. With a combination of online courses and in-person residencies leading to stackable credentials, the MSFP helps you meet today’s client demands while building toward long-term goals.
Flexible, modular curriculum:
Choose from four tracks and seven graduate-level certificates to customize your degree around your interests, experience, and goals.
Hybrid design:
Engage in a rich learning and networking experience that blends self-study coursework,  live weekly sessions with your peers and expert faculty members, and one required in-person residency for networking and hands-on learning.
Rolling admissions and immediate start options:
Apply anytime and start your first course within a few weeks
Grading:
Students must earn a minimum score of 80% in each course to pass.
Apply Now
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Tuition Overview
Single Courses
$2,050
Packages
Starting at $5,227.50
Single Courses
$2,050 per course
Individual MSFP course tuition is $2,050. To complete the full program, students must complete ten courses through one of the four program tracks.
Three-Course Packages
Starting at $5,227.50
Students may purchase MSFP courses in three-course packages, securing savings under several conditions:
College designation holders
: $5,227.50 (save $922.50 off individual purchase of three courses!)
New students
: $5,535 (save $615!)
With 10 courses to complete the program, the maximum number of three-course packages available for purchase by MSFP students is three; this requires one course to be paid at full tuition.
CAP® Course Package
$4,495
For MSFP students interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies track, a
Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)
designation may be substituted for three of the 10 required courses. A three-course package to complete the CAP® Program may be purchased for $4,495 (a $1,655 savings off three individual courses in either program!).
For those who enroll in the CAP® Program as a nonprofit professional, single courses are only $1,650 and three-course packages only $3,695 for further tuition reduction!
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Why Earn Your MSFP?
Apply Now
20%
Fewer clients requested portfolio changes from financial planners than investment-focused advisors.
Comprehensive planning promotes client confidence.
89%
Of HR professionals do not believe their companies have a strong bench to fill leadership roles. Step up and demonstrate your skills.
40%
Of advisors say they focus primarily on financial planning, yet many clients say their needs aren’t being met.
Become part of the solution and grow your practice.
Apply Now
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Why Enroll With Us?
You Seek Credibility with Clients and Prospects
Deepen Your Acumen in Financial Planning
Courses focus on real-world insights and current top-of-mind issues that concern your clients.
You Want Learning That's Applicable
Build a Custom Learning Path to Suit Your Needs
The MSFP Program’s flexible, modular structure lets you design your own learning journey with stackable micro-credentials.
You Want to Become a Better Leader
Get Essential Skills for Team-Building
Gain powerful knowledge on group dynamics and high-performing workplaces that help you stand out in your organization.
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Discover the MSFP Tracks
Available Tracks
Typical Completion Time:
15 Months
Foundational Track
Earn Your CFP Mark + Your Master’s Simultaneously
This track enables you to fulfill the CFP Board’s educational requirement to sit for the CFP® exam while completing specialized graduate-level coursework to earn your master’s degree at the same time.
Admissions Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree
Course of Study:
Financial Psychology Certificate
MSFP 536 Behavioral Finance
MSFP 591 Financial Psychology
MSFP 592 Financial Therapy and Counseling
Additional Required Courses
MSFP 551 Intro to Financial Planning
MSFP 554 Income Taxation
MSFP 555 Fundamentals of Insurance Planning
MSFP 557 Retirement Planning
MSFP 558 Investment Planning
MSFP 559 Fundamentals of Estate Planning
MSFP 650 Capstone Case Development (In-Person Residency)
Advanced Planning Track
This track empowers you to excel across the most critical areas of modern financial planning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to help clients with complex needs by combining expertise in behavioral finance with advanced knowledge in retirement, aging, and estate, portfolio, and tax planning.
Admissions Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of financial services experience, active CFP®, ChFC®, CPA®, JD, CFA®, or similar financial services designation
Course of Study:
Financial Psychology Certificate
MSFP 536 Behavioral Finance
MSFP 591 Financial Psychology
MSFP 592 Financial Therapy and Counseling
Advanced High Net Worth Planning Certificate
MSFP 595 Advanced Portfolio Management
MSFP 596 Advanced Tax Planning
MSFP 615 Advanced Estate Planning
Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate
MSFP 601 Aging and Financial Planning
MSFP 602 Retirement Financial Products
MSFP 631 Advanced Retirement Planning Issues
Additional Required Course
MSFP 582 Ethical Behaviors in Financial Planning (In-Person Residency)
Leadership Track
This track empowers you to become a transformative leader for a complex world. Upon completion, you will be prepared to navigate complexity, inspire innovation, and drive sustainable success as a confident, influential leader.
Admissions Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of leadership experience
Course of Study:
Financial Psychology Certificate
MSFP 536 Behavioral Finance
MSFP 591 Financial Psychology
MSFP 592 Financial Therapy and Counseling
Organizational Leadership Certificate
MSFP 501 Fundamentals of Organizational Leadership
MSFP 502 Leadership Communication and Organizational Direction
MSFP 503 Organizational Change and Team Leadership
Executive Leadership Certificate
MSFP 504 The Effective Executive Leader
MSFP 505 Executive Leadership Presence, Teams, Communication, and Coaching
MSFP 506 Executive Leadership Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
Additional Required Course
MSFP 582 Ethical Behaviors in Financial Planning (In-Person Residency)
Interdisciplinary Studies Track
This track empowers you to build a customized learning path tailored to your career goals. Upon completion, you will be equipped with the specific skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Admissions Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree, additional requirements dependent on selected certificate programs
Course of Study:
Financial Psychology Certificate
MSFP 536 Behavioral Finance
MSFP 591 Financial Psychology
MSFP 592 Financial Therapy and Counseling
Certificate Program 1
Course 1 - Student Selected Certificate
Course 2 - Student Selected Certificate
Course 3 - Student Selected Certificate
Certificate Program 2
Course 1 - Student Selected Certificate (or CAP® course 1)
Course 2 - Student Selected Certificate (or CAP® course 2)
Course 3 - Student Selected Certificate (or CAP® course 3)
Additional Required Course
MSFP 582 Ethical Behaviors in Financial Planning (In-Person Residency)
Graduate Certificates
MSFP students can, depending on their chosen track, select from seven graduate-level certificates when designing their MSFP journey.
Financial Psychology Certificate
Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate
Advanced High Net Worth Planning Certificate
Executive Leadership Certificate
Organizational Leadership Certificate
Business Succession Planning Certificate
Estate Planning and Taxation Certificate
Each certificate offers a targeted course of study, and upon completion, students will earn a resume-ready certificate credential.
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The College’s masters program really served as a springboard for my career. It allowed me to dig deeper into our clients’ technical planning needs, and it positioned me to step into a leadership role at my firm when the opportunity arose.”
Heather Welsh, CFP
, AEP, MSFP
I love the platform that The College has provided to advisors like me: experienced, but always looking to better themselves and their clients, with the flexibility to study on their terms. I have three young children and a working spouse, so time is a valuable resource.
Michael McNall, RICP
, WMCP
The knowledge from The American College of Financial Services is incredible, and it has definitely elevated me in the eyes of my clients. The education speaks for itself
Adam Saubel, CFP
, ChFC
, CLU
, RICP
, ChSNC
,CAP
,CLTC
The American College of Financial Services is the pre-eminent choice for financial professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, ultimately benefiting our clients and communities.
Jeff Weronick, MBA, CFP
, ChFC
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Learn From the Who's Who of Financial Planning
Timothy Belber
JD, AEP®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Russell DeLibero
PhD, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jason E. Heller
PhD, CFP®, CIMA®, MSFS, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CMFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CFS®, FSCP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, BCAA, AEP®, CFBS®, CDFA®, RMA®, CIS®, CAS®, CES®, AIF®, BFA™, APMA®, CFED®, ChSNC®, AFC®, WMCP®, LACP®, CPFA®, C(K)P®, AIFA®, CSRIC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jim Petersen
PhD, MSM, MSFS, CFP®, CLF®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, RICP®, WMCP®, CRPC®, CAP®, ChSNC®, AEP®, CPMBC, CPBC
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Kimberly Turner
PhD, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, AEP®, CLTC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jeffrey Hatchman
PhD, JD, MSM, MSFS, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, RICP®, AEP®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jodi G. Krausman
PhD, CPA, CFP®, PMP®
Assistant Professor and Program Director, Master of Science in Financial Planning
Boettner Chair
Read Bio
Carrie Cabell
CFP®, JD, MBA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Dr. James B Vernon
PhD
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Dr. Veronica Paz
CPA, CITP, CFF, CGMA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Elizabeth Lindsay-Ochoa
JD, LLM (Tax), CPWA®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Azish Filabi
JD, MA
Managing Director, American College Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services
Associate Professor of Business Ethics, Charles Lamont Post Chair of Business Ethics, The American College of Financial Services
Read Bio
Daralee Barbera
EdD, CFP®, CMFC®, ChFC®, CPBC®, CLF®
Director of Faculty, Academics
George G. Joseph and Richard A. Liddy Chair in Practice Management & Leadership
Read Bio
Jose Perez
EdD, MBA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Natasha M. Webster
PhD, MSHSA, MHA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Tracey C. Jones
MBA, PhD
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Daniel Hiebert
PhD, CFP®, MSFP
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Robert Bradley Alderfer
JD, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, MSFS, RICP®, WMCP®, CAP®, ChSNC®, CRPS®, QPFC, CEPA®, CAIA®, TPCP®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
01
00
Timothy Belber
JD, AEP®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Russell DeLibero
PhD, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jason E. Heller
PhD, CFP®, CIMA®, MSFS, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CMFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CFS®, FSCP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, BCAA, AEP®, CFBS®, CDFA®, RMA®, CIS®, CAS®, CES®, AIF®, BFA™, APMA®, CFED®, ChSNC®, AFC®, WMCP®, LACP®, CPFA®, C(K)P®, AIFA®, CSRIC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jim Petersen
PhD, MSM, MSFS, CFP®, CLF®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, RICP®, WMCP®, CRPC®, CAP®, ChSNC®, AEP®, CPMBC, CPBC
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Kimberly Turner
PhD, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, AEP®, CLTC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jeffrey Hatchman
PhD, JD, MSM, MSFS, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, RICP®, AEP®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Jodi G. Krausman
PhD, CPA, CFP®, PMP®
Assistant Professor and Program Director, Master of Science in Financial Planning
Boettner Chair
Read Bio
Carrie Cabell
CFP®, JD, MBA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Dr. James B Vernon
PhD
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Dr. Veronica Paz
CPA, CITP, CFF, CGMA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Elizabeth Lindsay-Ochoa
JD, LLM (Tax), CPWA®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Azish Filabi
JD, MA
Managing Director, American College Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services
Associate Professor of Business Ethics, Charles Lamont Post Chair of Business Ethics, The American College of Financial Services
Read Bio
Daralee Barbera
EdD, CFP®, CMFC®, ChFC®, CPBC®, CLF®
Director of Faculty, Academics
George G. Joseph and Richard A. Liddy Chair in Practice Management & Leadership
Read Bio
Jose Perez
EdD, MBA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Natasha M. Webster
PhD, MSHSA, MHA
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Tracey C. Jones
MBA, PhD
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Daniel Hiebert
PhD, CFP®, MSFP
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Robert Bradley Alderfer
JD, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, MSFS, RICP®, WMCP®, CAP®, ChSNC®, CRPS®, QPFC, CEPA®, CAIA®, TPCP®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
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MSFP Program FAQs
The program is now modular and customizable. Instead of a single fixed course path, you can choose from four specialized tracks and seven graduate-level certificates to build a degree that fits your goals.
The available tracks are:
Foundational Track
— Earn your master’s and meet CFP® exam requirements
Advanced Planning Track
— Elevate your practice with specialized planning knowledge
Leadership Track
— Prepare to lead high-performing teams and organizations
Integrated Studies Track
— Design a degree that aligns with your career goals
You’ll benefit from rolling admissions (start within a few weeks of applying), the option to stack certificates, and a modular curriculum that adapts to your interests, experience, and timeline.
Select graduate-level credits or designations—like the CAP®—may count toward degree requirements, particularly in the Integrated Studies Track.
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There’s Even More to Explore
Deepen Behavioral Insights
Earn a Certificate in Financial Psychology
View the Program Presentation
See a powerpoint presentation on the MSFP
Explore Graduate Certificates
See all our certificate programs to power your career growth
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Take the Next Step and Apply
With a MSFP, you'll stand out with deep knowledge of financial planning’s practical, legal, and ethical aspects along with the wide application of its techniques and tools.
Apply Now
Access FAQs
footnotes
The American College of Financial Services. Advising Through Uncertainty Study. 2025.
DDI. Global Leadership Forecast. 2021.