The program consists of ten (10 courses) comprised of:
- Five (5) core courses and
- Five (5) advanced courses
Two of the 5 advanced courses are based on pathway:
- For Traditional Pathway, select 2 electives. See the list of electives.
- For Client Psychology and Communication Pathway,
- PFPL650: Client Psychology and Communications
- Select either PFPL522: Behavioral Finance or PFPL587: Behavioral Finance Strategies (ABFP®® Program)
ACCT545 Financial Statement Analysis
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): PFPL510 or PFPL520
This course covers financial statement analysis starting with the origin of financial data and uses of financial reporting. Topical coverage includes revenue recognition, income determination with in-depth analysis of the income statement. Coverage also includes applied financial statement investigation including cause-of-change, common-size, and trend analyses.
ACCT550: Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): ACCT545
Building on financial statement analysis tools and techniques covered in ACCT545, this course will provide advanced analysis of the asset side of the balance sheet, including receivables, inventory and long-lived assets. Additional coverage includes using financial information in making decisions associated with credit analysis, contracting and valuation. In depth study of the sources and uses of cash, as identified in the statement of cash flows (operations, investing, and financing).
ECON524 Economics for Investment Decision Making
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
This course explores economic issues relevant to investment advisors. Topics include supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policies, economic growth, international trade, investment decisions, and currency exchange. Discussions center on the use of economic indicators for investment decisions. Real world examples studied and research is required for this course.
FINA525 Quantitative Methods
(3 credit)
Prerequisites: None
This course covers the fundamentals of quantitative concepts and techniques including descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, linear regression, and time-series models.
FINA527 Financial Data Analytics
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): FINA525 (or equivalent course)
In this course, students are set to master the intricate world of data analytics, tailored for financial applications. Structured around nine pivotal Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), the course spans from foundational data analytics principles to advanced topics like regression models, time series forecasting, data mining, and cluster analysis, all essential for financial analysis and investment decision-making. It emphasizes developing robust data management, transformation, and visualization skills, alongside understanding and applying various regression and tree models, and mastering data mining techniques and cluster analysis.
Upon completion, students will not only be proficient in handling, preparing, and transforming financial data, but also adept in visualizing and interpreting complex relationships within datasets. They will be equipped to apply advanced analytical methods, including regression analysis, time series forecasting, and cluster analysis, enabling them to analyze intricate financial datasets, derive insightful information, and make informed, data-driven decisions in the finance sector.
FINA565 Security Analysis and Valuation
(3 credit)
Prerequisites: PFPL520 (or equivalent)
This course covers the advanced analysis of equity and debt securities including the valuation of common stock, preferred stock, and various types of fixed-income instruments. In regard to common stock, coverage includes valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis, price multiples, and the residual income model. Bond features and characteristics including time-to-maturity, types of coupons, callability, conversion are covered. Relevant topics include investing strategies, duration, convexity and risks relevant to securities, including default, credit, interest rate and reinvestment risk. Additional coverage includes behavioral finance, technical analysis and the Efficient Market Hypothesis.
FINA575 Corporate Finance
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): PFPL510 and PFPL520 (or equivalent)
This course examines the financial structure of corporations with an emphasis on understanding financial statements, time value of money, cash flows, working capital management, capital structure, financing decisions, cost of capital, capital budgeting techniques.
FINA585: Derivatives and Alternative Investments
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): PFPL520 and FINA565
This course explores derivatives, alternative investments and alternative investment strategies. The course covers the mechanics and markets for options, forward and futures contracts. forward and futures pricing, equity options and interest rate derivatives. Additionally, it covers alternative investments and alternative strategies including the use of derivatives in these strategies. Learners will be introduced to hedge funds, real assets, private capital, liquid alternatives and the use of derivatives and alternative investments in portfolio management.
PFPL522 Behavioral Finance
(3 credit)
Prerequisite: PFPL520
Students enrolled in this course are immersed in the world of behavioral finance. This is a fascinating look at real-world case studies of the psychology, experiences, and personal biases people possess surrounding money. Weekly assignments consist of short-answer and one- to two-page essays.
PFPL529 Business Valuation for Financial Professionals
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): PFPL510 and PFPL 520 (or equivalent courses)
The primary objective of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the role business valuation plays in the real world. The course provides a pathway to becoming a business valuation analyst and/or Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential holder or Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) credential holder. The course introduces basic principles in business valuation and pre-engagement considerations including professional standards such as AICPA VSSection 100. The course covers sources of data, economic and financial statement analysis, the three valuation approaches, cost of capital, and valuation adjustments. It concludes with a discussion of the valuation conclusion and reporting and a brief survey of valuations for financial reporting, intangible assets, and litigation.
PFPL536 Applied Tax Planning
(3 credit)
Prerequisite: PFPL530
This course provides students with a strong background in the application of income tax concepts, calculations, and planning techniques specific to middle- and higher-income taxpayers. Short-answer questions on hypothetical situations are on the weekly assignments.
PFPL556 Applied Estate Planning
(3 credit)
Prerequisite: PFPL550
This course examines selected issues related to estate planning in a case study-driven format. These include both tax and non-tax aspects of planning for disability and death. Short-answer questions on hypothetical situations are on the weekly assignments.
PFPL582 Retirement Planning Strategies (CRPC® Program)
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
The Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ or CRPC® Professional Designation Program is taught by the College at the graduate level. Students who complete the program earn 3 credits in graduate credits that can be applied to the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program to fulfill elective requirements.
PFPL583 Retirement Plan Studies (CRPS® Program)
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
The Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠ or CRPS® Professional Designation Program is taught by the College at the graduate level. Students who complete the program earn 3 credits in graduate credits that can be applied to the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program to fulfill elective requirements.
PFPL584 Wealth Management Strategies (AWMA® or SE-AWMASM Program)
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
The Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ or AWMA® or Sports and Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ or SE-AWMA℠ Professional Designation Programs are taught by the College at the graduate level. Students who complete the program earn 3 credits in graduate credits that can be applied to the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program to fulfill elective requirements.
PFPL585 Principles of Portfolio Management (APMA® Program)
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
The Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ or APMA® Professional Designation Program is taught by the College at the graduate level. Students who complete the program earn 3 credits in graduate credits that can be applied to the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program to fulfill elective requirements.
PFPL587 Behavioral Finance Strategies (ABFP® Program)
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
The Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional℠ or ABFP® Professional Designation Program is taught by the College at the graduate level. Students who complete the program earn 3 credits in graduate credits that can be applied to the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program to fulfill elective requirements.
PFPL588 ESG Strategies (CSRIC® Program)
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): None
The Chartered SRI Counselor℠ or CSRIC® Professional Designation Program is taught by the College at the graduate-level. Students who complete the program earn 3 credits in graduate credits that can be applied to the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program to fulfill elective requirements.
PFPL594 Introduction to Financial Services Research
(3 credit)
Prerequisite(s): PFPL560 and PFPL570 OR FINA565 and FINA595
This course focuses on contemporary issues in financial services, allowing students to explore unique topics of interest. Through independent research, students will develop a deep understanding of a chosen subject. The course emphasizes critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of scholarly materials, culminating in a well-researched graduate-level paper. Along the way, students will refine their research skills and will have an opportunity to practice sharing their research ideas through meaningfully discourse. The final project—a comprehensive research paper—showcases students’ ability to research a topic of their choosing with academic rigor.
PFPL599: Pro Bono Financial Planning Strategies
(3 credit)
Prerequisite: Must be a CFP® professional
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to offer pro bono financial planning services. Students will learn about the unique needs and challenges of pro bono clients, analyze debt management strategies, identify financial predators, and develop comprehensive pro bono financial plans. The course emphasizes practical application and real-world experience through assignments and interactions with actual pro bono clients.
