January 28, 2021

Centenary University Launches New Certified Financial Planning Courses to Prepare Students for Certification Exam

Collaboration with national consortium of smaller universities broadens educational and career opportunities in growing field.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Jan. 27, 2021—Centenary University has launched a new series of courses to prepare students to take the certified financial planning exam, in response to growing demand for trained professionals in the field. Registered under the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Board of Standards—considered the gold standard in the financial planning field—the courses are taught by credentialed faculty and are offered fully online, with classes spanning eight weeks each.

The University is collaborating with a host of private colleges on the new courses through the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC), comprised of over 70 private colleges and universities dedicated to presenting high-quality and more affordable educational offerings to a diverse student body. The LCMC affiliation brings some of the greatest minds in the field to courses offered through its member institutions.

“Centenary University’s new certified financial planning courses highlight the growing power of educational partnerships in the digital age,” said Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D. “Through the LCMC, smaller universities are joining together to provide convenient access to outstanding educational offerings, developed by leading experts, at a reasonable cost.”

Through the LCMC, Centenary’s certified financial planning courses have been informed by top professors of finance and experts in portfolio management, including Ned Gandevani, Ph.D., a professor of finance at Harvard and Lesley universities and a practicing portfolio manager; Christopher Kubik, D.B.A., director of the LCMC’s CFP registered program and professor of accounting and finance at Regis College; Helen Xu, Ph.D., professor of finance at Holy Names University; and Erik Dellith, Ph.D., an adjunct professor at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

In terms of career advancement, 83% of CFP professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors and 90% believe that this certification gives them more credibility in the eyes of their clients. Personal financial advisors with this certification can earn a median annual salary of $90,000, noted Jenna Racioppi, associate director of graduate programs at Centenary University. “These new courses at Centenary University will provide thorough preparation for certified professionals in this growing field,” Racioppi said. “Highly-trained financial planners are in great demand now—in fact, the LCMC estimates that approximately 31 percent of Americans age 65 and over consult a financial planner before retirement.”

Participants, who must hold a bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission to these courses, complete a seven-course sequence offered through the University. They must also pass a background check and a stringent certification exam. Within five years of sitting for the exam, they must also complete 6,000 hours of professional experience related to financial planning or 4,000 hours of an apprenticeship.

A virtual information session to introduce Centenary University’s new certified financial planning courses will be hosted by Dr. Murphy on Feb. 3 at noon. Learn more about the courses and register for the information session, or email questions to CentUadmissions@centenaryuniversity.edu.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.