Kansas State University

Academic Programs

Graduate Certificate Program (Online):
How Does It Work?

Enroll in the Certificate Program

New sessions begin twice a year, in August and in January. You will enroll in a total of six certificate courses, and take the courses one at a time. Each course lasts eight weeks, with two weeks between courses, allowing you to finish the program in 14 months. The courses are designed in a specific sequence, each one building upon the knowledge from the last.

Take Courses Online

You will access and complete all course materials, tests and case studies through K-State Online. Some courses also have supplemental materials on videos or CDs. A dedicated faculty mentor works with you and the rest of your cohort as you move through the courses, holding virtual office hours and offering guidance.

You will interact with faculty and fellow students through e-mail, message boards, and chat rooms, but complete coursework in your free time. Chat session archives are also available for viewing if you are not available during arranged chat times. Assignments are published two to three weeks ahead of due dates so you can work ahead to avoid scheduling conflicts.

See the system requirements for K-State Online.

Earn Graduate Credit

All six courses — a total of 18 hours — count as graduate credit, and are also required for the K-State’s online master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning. So if you choose to pursue your master’s degree in the future, you’re already on your way! All 18 credit hours are fully transferrable into our 42 hour master's degree. If you decide at a later date to complete the master's, you will have up to six years from the time you begin the certificate program to finish your degree.

Qualify to Sit for the CFP® Certification Examination

Upon completion of the CFP Board-Registered certificate program, you will be eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. The series of six courses ends approximately four months prior to a scheduled CFP® Certification examination. CFP Board has said most certificants do best when taking the exam two to six months after completing a program.

Note that you should plan to spend additional time for review and synthesis of material prior to taking the Examination.

Graduate with a Financial Planning Certificate

After successfully completing the six required courses, you will earn your graduate certificate in Personal Financial Planning from K-State. With the tools K-State provides you, you’ll be ready to launch a successful career in the financial planning industry.

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.