With demand for financial planners strong and growing, the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, in cooperation with the Lerner College of Business and Economics, is offering a new certificate program. The first group of students began classes in September.

Demand for financial planners is expected to strengthen in coming years, as more Americans seek professional advice in money matters. Financial adviser was in the top-10 list of Money magazine’s 2006 “50 Best Jobs in America.”

UD’s Certificate in Financial Planning covers such topics as insurance planning and risk management, employee benefit planning, retirement and estate planning, income tax and investments. Each topic is taught by professionals in the applicable field.

Successful completion of the certificate program fulfills the education requirement for certification as a certified financial planner, as approved by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Besides passing the exam and completing the education requirement, other requirements for certification include work experience and a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university.

The certificate program can be completed in one year. For more information, visit [www.continuingstudies.udel.edu/fp], e-mail [continuing-ed@udel.edu] or call (302) 831-2746.