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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need to submit a standardized test for admission?

Standardized tests are not required for admission for MSFP applicants.

Does the MSFP require prerequisites?

While a bachelor's degree is required, there are no prerequisite courses required for entrance to the MSFP program. Some prerequisites may be required for entrance to specific elective courses.

Does the MSFP qualify me to sit for the Certified Financial Planner exam?

Yes. Successful completion of the MSFP program will qualify a graduate to sit for the national CFP exam

Would I be required to attend courses entirely in person?

No. Whitworth's MSFP is a low-residency program with most courses offered online.

When can I start classes?

Students can apply for the program at any time but there are two distinct start dates for classes – every August in the first class of the fall semester and every January which is the first class of the spring semester. Students starting in the fall will avail of the shortest completion time (10 months).

Does the MSFP use a cohort model?

Yes. New students will enter the program as a cohort at the beginning of a new academic year and follow a preset schedule of courses throughout the year.

Can I take electives?

Yes. Whitworth's MSFP includes nine elective credits that can be taken in person or online.

Does the MSFP have concentrations?

Yes. Students can apply their elective credits towards a concentration or take nine electives credits in courses that interest them. Contact us for more details. 

Is the MSFP offered entirely online?

All required courses (21 credits) are offered exclusively online; three of those courses also include an on-site residency in Spokane, Wash. The entire MSFP degree can be taken online with online electives.

What is low-residency?

A low-residency program is a form of education which involves primarily online education and brief on-campus or specific-site residencies. Our residency dates are limited to three per academic year and are scheduled one year in advance. We believe the residency experiences are essential to this program because they create a sense of community and networking among cohorts, allow for hands-on application of financial planning and counseling tools, and create career opportunities among the firms that sponsor residency dinners.

Are the on-site residencies required?

Yes. Students are required to attend every day of the pre-scheduled residencies in order to fulfill degree requirements. Students will need to take that class the following year if their schedule does not permit full attendance at the residency.

Do I have to sit for the CFP exam?

No. Students are not required to sit for the CFP exam. However, this program does fulfill the needed course requirements for CFP exam eligibility.