Program Overview

Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management

The Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management at Columbia University is designed to prepare experienced and aspiring wealth management professionals to meet the challenges of today's industry. This 16-month online program with asynchronous instruction is taught by elite faculty with deep, applied experience in their respective fields.

Program Overview

• The program is a CFP Board Registered Program, designed to help students meet the educational requirements for CFP certification.
• It is the only degree of its kind in the Ivy League.
• The curriculum is built around problem-based learning to encourage collaboration, team-building, and critical thinking.
• The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to have an immediate impact in the workplace and the strategies and tools to successfully navigate a wealth management firm through changes in the coming decade.

Program Features

• A cutting-edge curriculum that focuses on problem-based learning with real-world, client-driven applications of concepts and tools.
• A preeminent scholar-practitioner faculty that includes leading wealth management professionals who bring their insights and experience into the classroom.
• Academic content is available on demand, tailored for working professionals seeking rigor and structure along with flexibility, convenience, and a virtual community.
• A collaborative learning environment that encourages teamwork and meaningful relationships with fellow students.
• Access to an extensive professional network of leading wealth managers, thought leaders, faculty, and alumni, as well as career development services and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to develop and present a comprehensive financial plan designed for a client, receiving direct feedback from peers, faculty, and corporate partners.

Who Should Apply

• Current wealth management professionals seeking career advancement
• Career changers who want to become wealth managers
• Consultants, accountants, lawyers, and tax specialists looking to advance their overall knowledge and expertise in wealth management
• Professionals looking to start their own Registered Investment Advisor or family office
• Individuals looking to satisfy the educational requirements necessary to obtain their CFP certification

Program Requirements

• At least 2 years of professional experience
• Online and self-paced, with two 3-day in-person sessions
• Four terms

What You Will Learn

• Gain core investing and planning skills from industry experts and leaders
• Learn how to enhance client relationships with individuals, institutions, and family offices
• Understand the holistic goals-based approach to investment planning and the delivery of value-add solutions
• Practice applying advanced theory in client psychology and communication to relevant client scenarios and contexts
• Understand and utilize evolving technology in wealth management
• Articulate emerging trends and learn how to proactively respond to them in a leadership capacity
• Receive one-on-one mentoring from program faculty and staff
• Engage in coursework aligned with the skills needed to pass the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam

The Columbia Advantage

• Strong academics with a cutting-edge curriculum designed to address evolving industry dynamics
• Extensive network of 350,000+ global alumni and a wide variety of student groups
• Scholar-practitioner faculty with deep, applied experience in their respective fields

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Requirements

The School of Professional Studies Wealth Management program is a CFP Board Registered Program that satisfies the education requirement for CFP certification and thereby meets the academic requirement for certification in all 50 states. Upon completion of the program, students must also separately pass the CFP exam, meet the experience requirements, submit to a background check, and sign the Ethics Declaration in order to earn the CFP certification.