Academic Programs
Doctoral Program (Online/On Campus)
K-State’s Ph.D. with an emphasis in Personal Financial Planning — the first in the nation to be conducted largely online — was designed for professionals who already have busy careers and substantial roots where they live. Offered through the School of Family Studies and Human Services, the program is composed of a mix of online and residency courses. It enables candidates across the world to earn their doctorate from a respected university while continuing their lives at home. We are pleased to announce that K-State's program will be listed on the CFP® Board's website of quality financial planning programs.
This hybrid program allows you to take online courses during the fall and spring semesters, and participate in intensive 10-day summer experiences. Thanks to the flexible format, you can earn your Ph.D. in as little as five years…no matter where you are.
During three consecutive summer residency sessions on the K-State campus, you will build a connection with faculty and peers, not to mention the university. These relationships will lend you the support you need as you study from a distance. For your final summer session, you will travel abroad as a group to see up-close how global markets work, and how they affect financial planning in the United States and worldwide.
As part of a small cohort who navigate the program together, you will benefit from the guidance of professors with a rich background in research and practice management. Dedicated students will learn to solve real-world problems, and integrate knowledge about personal finance and relationships. You will also have the opportunity to participate in professional groups; assume professional leadership positions; and become involved in teaching, researching and publication.
The degree fulfills the educational requirement for these designations: Registered Financial Consultant, Registered Financial Associate, Certified Retirement Counselor, and Accredited Financial Counselor.
Whether you want to pursue your doctorate on a full- or part-time basis, this program makes it possible to be a working professional and earn your Ph.D. at the same time. A full-time, on-campus program is also available, and applicants are encouraged to apply for a graduate research or teaching assistantship (Adobe Acrobat).
Faculty
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with flame logo)®, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. K-State does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with flame logo)® certification marks. CFP® Certification is granted only by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience and examination requirements.