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The non-thesis M.S. option is available for students who wish to pursue careers in financial services, particularly as financial planners. Through this curriculum, students are qualified to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination, which is integral to the development of their professionalism. They also will gain a strong foundation from which to build a client-centered financial planning career. This option is for M.S. students who do not intend to undertake doctoral studies upon completion of the M.S. The program of study for the non-thesis option is similar to that of the program of study for the thesis option; however, in lieu of a thesis, the student will complete a three-credit-hour practicum and create a professional portfolio of financial planning experiences. The student’s committee will review the student’s portfolio of work from his or her
practicum experience and evaluate it based on its comprehensiveness, completeness, and appropriateness relating to professional work in the student’s respective area of interest. All M.S. applicants should have completed a course in statistics (equivalent to STAT 2000) and a course in microeconomic theory (equivalent to ECON 2106). M.S. non-thesis applicants should have completed a course in risk management (equivalent to RMIN 4000).
Although it is important to make continued progress toward the degree, it is not advisable to make one's program too intense. It takes time to develop a real facility with complex material. Beyond that, much of the benefit of graduate study comes through shared experiences with other students and faculty. Those experiences are important as students define their professional identities.
M.S. Non-Thesis Program of Study
The M.S. non-thesis degree is presently for students who wish to pursue careers in financial services, particularly as financial planners. This option is for M.S. students who do not intend to undertake doctoral studies upon completion of the M.S. Students who have the undergraduate equivalent of one of the courses listed must substitute another course. Students may exceed any minimum requirement. The degree requires at least 36 semester hours of coursework and two semesters of residency. Specific requirements are listed below. Information about courses is available on the Graduate Courses in HACE website.
Core (6 credit hours):
HACE 8000, 8100 or 8150
Concentration (24 credit hours):
HACE 6200, 6205, 6210, 6220, 6230, 6250, 7200, 7250
Family Financial Planning Elective Courses (6 credit hours):
As approved by advisory committee
M.S. Non-Thesis Timetable
Most students complete their M.S. program in two years. To help students accomplish their goals in a timely fashion the timetable below suggests a typical time frame for completing the degree. Included in this timetable are Graduate School deadlines (http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/academics/deadlines.html). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all deadlines set by the Graduate School are met. In addition, students must take a final exam over their program. Students will need to discuss the time frame with their Major Professor.
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Process |
Semester* |
1) Formation of Advisory Committee Advisory Committee for Master of Science Candidate Form. Signed by all committee members, Graduate Coordinator and Graduate Dean. Submit a copy to the Graduate Coordinator Assistant. The student needs to deliver the original plus one copy to the Graduate School. |
End of 1st |
2) Program of Study Program of Study for Master of Science Candidates Form. Needs to be signed by all committee members, Graduate Coordinator. A copy must be given to the Graduate Coordinator Assistant. The student needs to deliver the original plus one copy to the Graduate School. |
End of 2nd |
3) Apply for Graduation Application for Graduation. Please forward email confirmation to Graduate Coordinator Assistant. |
3rd |
4) Practicum plan approved by committee Approval of Practicum Proposal Form. Write a brief description of proposed practicum, what tangible outcomes or products can be evaluated, and what you hope to achieve during the experience. Submit form and description to advisory committee. Turn in signed form to Graduate Coordinator Assistant. |
3rd |
5) Practicum Maintain a learning log of practicum experience and portfolio of practicum related financial planning work. |
4th |
6) Portfolio Review by Advisory Committee Portfolio Presentation and Exam Form. Complete Part I will be filled out at this time. |
End of 4th |
7) Final exam over program of study Portfolio Presentation and Exam Form. Complete Part II will be filled out at this time. |
End of 4th |
8) Final approval Portfolio Presentation and Exam Form. Part III is singed by the Major Professor. A copy is then submitted to the Graduate Coordinator Assistant. The student should deliver the original plus one copy to the Graduate School. |
End of 4th |
*Semester count does not include summer semesters and assumes a 12 hour credit load each fall and spring semester.
University of Georgia does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and marks. CFP® certification is granted solely by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to individuals who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience and examination requirements.
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