Skip to content

Department of Family & Consumer Studies

College of Social & Behavioral Science

Main Navigation

ACCREDITED FINANCIAL COUNSELOR PROGRAM 

Our Financial Counseling Program, registered with AFCPE® (Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education), prepares students to become financial counselors who help clients gain control of their finances and reach their financial goals. Students who sucessfully complete this program will be prepared to take the AFC® certification examination at a discount and, after meeting all of the standards set forth by AFCPE®, become Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC). 

What is a an Accredited Financial Counselor ?

Financial counselors work for government, private or non-profit agencies that are dedicated to helping people reduce debt and manage shaky finances. Financial counselors review the debt and savings of clients and make proposals on how to create assets and decrease debt.

Prospective financial counselors should earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in Finance or Family, Community, and Human Development. Companies may require that financial counselors receive certification. The Department of Family & Consumer Studies offers an AFCPE® approved course work. By taking this course work students can sit for the exam at a reduced cost. 

Accredited financial counselor logo and university of utah logo

Education and Careers

The Family and Conusmer Studies major offers the Financial Counseling Track, registered with AFCPE® (Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education).  This track prepares students to become financial counselors who help clients gain control of their finances and reach their financial goals. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to take the AFC® certification examination at a discount and, after meeting all of the standards set forth by AFCPE®, become Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC). 

Along with your major in  Family, Community and Human Development (FCHD) Accredited Financial Counselor® add these classes and you are on your way.  This track is a way to a viable career, but it will also prepare you to make sound personal financial decisions for your future. 

Required Financial Counseling Courses (each 3 academic hours)

  • FCS 3420  Housing Policy and Issues
  • FCS 3500  Financial Skills for Life
  • FCS 3520  Financial Counseling


Electives (choose at least one)

  • FCS 3510  Tax Preparation and Community Involvement
  • FCS 5510  Building Family Wealth
  • FCS 5530  Income Tax Planning for Families
  • FCS 5540  Protecting Family Wealth: Insurance and Estate Planning


A minimum of 12 credit hours is required to satisfy this requirement.  Students must pass with a "C" or better.

An Accredited Financial Counselor educates clients on basic financial principles to help them overcome debt and build assets. This enables clients to create a solid financial foundation in which to achieve lifelong successful financial outcomes.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts fair growth in the job market and an a median annual income of $49,940 as of May 2020.  

Make an appointment with a College of Social and Behavior Science advisor to discuss the path to becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor .  

Schedule an Advising Appointment

 

 

Last Updated: 6/6/23