Personal financial planning refers to the systematic and dynamic process whereby individuals optimize their financial resources (taking into account various financial risks and future life events) to best achieve their financial goals and objectives. Saint Louis University's post-baccalaureate certificate in financial planning and modeling prepares SLU students for careers in financial planning and advising services.
Financial planning skills are important for everyone, even for those not seeking a career as a professional financial advisor. It is well documented that the sooner one gets a grip on personal finance, the better the long-term financial prospects will be for things like investing or planning for retirement.
Admission Requirements
The Chaifetz School uses a holistic admissions approach to carefully evaluate all applicants, considering every aspect of their application. While an undergraduate degree is required for admission, a business background is not. Applicants must submit their:
- Completed online application
- Transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions
- 1-2 letters of recommendation
- Résumé/CV
- Professional goal statement of fewer than 500 words
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all application materials are received. The average time for admissions decisions is two weeks.
Tuition
| Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| School of Business Master's and Certificate Programs | $1,310 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
For more information about Saint Louis University scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
Accreditation
The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Approximately 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.
- Graduates will analyze problems, make decisions, and present results on financial modeling and analysis.
- Graduates will understand, recognize and evaluate ethical decision-making in financial planning and modeling.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 6160 | Investment Theory and Practice | 3 |
| FIN 6540 | Financial Planning | 3 |
| FIN 6530 | Financial Modeling and Analysis | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
All courses have FIN 6000 Finance for Managers (3 cr) as a prerequisite. This may be waived upon completion of any CFA program exams or at the discretion of the department chair.
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FIN 6540 | Financial Planning | 3 |
| FIN 6160 | Investment Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| FIN 6530 | Financial Modeling and Analysis | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
For additional admission questions, please contact:
Graduate Business Admission Team
314-977-3800
gradbiz@slu.edu