Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is the ability to use financial knowledge and skills to understand financial choices, plan for the future, spend wisely, and manage the challenges associated with life events such as a job loss, saving for retirement, or paying for a child’s education. The acquired knowledge and skills will empower individuals to make informed judgments and financial decisions and to take effective actions regarding money management. The cornerstone of financial literacy is Personal Finance education, which provides the principles and methods that individuals use to acquire and manage income and assets. Financial literacy is not an absolute state; it is a continuum of abilities that is subject to variables such as age, education, family, culture, and residence. Financial literacy refers to an evolving state of competency that enables each individual to respond effectively to ever-changing personal and economic circumstances.
Shepherd University’s Financial Planning Program provides a comprehensive curriculum serving the needs of undergraduate students and working professionals. Our program is registered with and approved by the CFP Board of Standards and students who complete a CFP Board-Registered Program are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.
A common question asked by both students enrolled in our CFP® certification educational program and those considering the CFP® certification relate to the earnings of potential of Financial Advisors. A recent study from Kaplan Financial cites that CFP® certificants report a 12% increase in earnings after obtaining their CFP® mark. This shows that clients value competency and credibility!
https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/wealth-management/resources/survey-of-trends
Contact Information
Program Director
Janine Sam, Ph.D., CFP® jsam@shepherd.edu
Department of Business Administration
Contact for the CFP Board of Standards:
Ben Martz, Ph.D. bmartz@shepherd.edu
Department of Business Administration
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Financial Planning Club meetings are held in White Hall
Rural Financial Planning Project Advisory Council
Rob Hoxton, President
304-876-2619
RHoxton@hoxtonfinancial.com
Program Information
Shepherd University’s Financial Planning Program provides a comprehensive curriculum serving the needs of undergraduate students and working professionals. Our program is registered with and approved by the CFP Board of Standards and students who complete a CFP Board-Registered Program are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.
Programmatic Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates should be able to:
CFP Board of Standards Degree Program Approval
Shepherd University is one of the CFP Board of Standards Education Providers
Accreditation
Shepherd University is Regionally Accredited by the Higher learning Commission (HLC).
The Financial Planning Program is in the School of Business under the Department of Business Administration and is accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Education (IACBE).
Learning Options
Learners enrolled in the program have the following three delivery options:
Traditional -in a brick and mortar classroom setting.
Hybrid -combines both traditional instruction delivery as well as online. Learners meet at specific time-intervals while the do most of the work online
Online -the program is delivered online
This program is uniquely supported by an advisory board of financial professionals through the Rural Financial Planning Project (RFPP). The mission of the RFPP is to improve the lives of rural Americans through the promotion of financial literacy and the delivery of financial planning by well-trained and ethical financial planning professionals.
The RFPP provides tuition assistance, mentorship, internships and career employment opportunities for students. Faculty members receive funding for professional development and research.
