Graduate Admission

applying for admission to the M.S. degree in consumer sciences with the financial planning concentration

The application process begins by being admitted to The University of Alabama’s Graduate School. List Consumer Sciences as the major and mark the track in Family Financial Planning and Counseling.  Indicate main campus or distance learning as appropriate on the application.  During the application process prospective students will submit transcripts for all previous undergraduate coursework. Official transcripts should only be sent after admission.  UA students do not need to submit transcripts.  
​Final application deadlines: April 15 for summer, July 1 for fall, and November 1 for spring.

requirements
satisfy one of the following:

  1. 3.0/4.0 GPA or 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours, minimum of two recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of purpose  OR 
  2. An acceptable MAT, GMAT or GRE entrance examination score, minimum of two recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of purpose​

Statement of Purpose:

Please articulate your reasons for applying and include all of the following elements:
  • Indicate whether you intend to complete either the Accelerated Master’s Program (for current UA undergraduates only) or the M.S. with a concentration in family financial planning and counseling.
  • Please describe your educational and/or career goals and how the degree program would help you reach those goals.
  • Describe any experiences you have had that demonstrate your commitment to pursuing graduate training. For example, prior academic achievements, research and/or publication experiences, professional experiences, volunteer activities, or any other formative experiences.
  • Briefly describe how you became aware of our graduate programs.
  • Anything else you would like our faculty to know when evaluating your application.
Keep in mind that the statement of purpose serves as a sample of writing for possible admission to the program.

Prerequisites Note:

CSM prerequisite courses may be waived by the graduate coordinator in consultation with the graduate admissions committee. In the absence of these or when a timely decision must be made to meet an imminent deadline, the Department Head may make the decision. Circumstances for waiver include:
  • Successful completion of a demonstrably similar course.
  • Two or more years of closely‐related work experience. Applicants must describe how their work experience supplants the need for the coursework.
  • Hold, in good standing, a designation such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), applicable FINRA licenses, Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), or similar.
  • Previously earned a graduate degree in a closely‐related field.
If you wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship, please complete the assistantship.pdf form in addition to the above requirements.