Graduate Certificate Program (Online):
Admissions

Admission Criteria

When reviewing your application, we take the following into consideration:

• your undergraduate grade point average, especially during the last two years of study,
• whether your undergraduate institution is accredited,
• the extent to which our programs match your academic objectives and
• your potential for graduate study as reflected by your transcripts and your letters of recommendation.

In general, your undergraduate grade point average must be 3.0 ("B") or better, although in exceptional cases we may consider recommending probational admission if your grade point average is at least 2.75, or if it is above 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework.

You do not need a specific type of undergraduate degree to be admitted into the program. Many, but not all, of our students are Family and Consumer Science graduates with a background in consumer economics or financial management, and business graduates working in financial services. We anticipate that most applicants have taken classes in or possess a basic knowledge of macroeconomics, microeconomics, ethics and computer science applications. The program incorporates skills related to macroeconomics, microeconomics, finance, financial planning ethics, counseling and computer applications for financial data. Competencies related to these concepts are required to complete the program.

Once you have submitted the required application materials, the faculty will review your credentials. Upon approval and assignment of a temporary advisor, your file will be forwarded to the Graduate School, which checks the completeness of your application, reviews your official transcripts, and verifies that you have or will soon have a valid degree from an accredited* institution.

Application Process

Applicants seeking admission must submit:

1. an application for admission to the Kansas State University Graduate School.
2. a domestic application fee of $30 or international application fee of $55, only if your plans are to complete the Master's degree program after successful completion of the certificate program. If you are applying for the graduate certificate program ONLY, an application fee is not required.
   
   Note: This distance program does not qualify international students for study in the United States; international students must take the courses in their home country.
   
3. two official transcripts of all college work completed to date.
4. three letters of recommendation.
   
   Note: These DO NOT have to be from former instructors. Letters of recommendation may come from current or past employers, colleauges, or anyone you feel best-suited to answer the questions on the recommendation form.
   
5. a brief resume and a goal statement detailing: previous educational and professional experience, why you are interested in the program, and how the degree will help you achieve your career goals.

K-State does not require GRE scores for admission to the Personal Financial Planning program.

Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their graduate program to avoid dismissal from the master's program. For additional information, please visit the K-State Graduate School website. Admission and reference forms can be obtained online following the links above, by writing the address below, or by e-mailing . All of the above materials should be returned to:

Kim Misenhelter
Institute of Personal Financial Planning
312 Justin Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

To request an application, or check on the status of an application, please contact .

When all the materials are on file, the graduate committee will act on your request for admission to the program and will contact you about their decision. You may receive one of three decisions:

1. full admission
2. conditional admission subject to resolving deficiencies
3. admission denied

Note: Applicants to the K-State Graduate School must have a bachelor's degree substantially the same as the ones granted by K-State. These degrees regularly contain a broad range of courses representing the basic academic disciplines. In addition, a major portion of the courses included should be graded by a multilevel system, usually A, B, C, D, F.

Application Deadlines

August Session (fall semester)

Final Application Deadline: May 1

January Session (spring semester)

Final Application Deadline: November 1

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.