Financial Psychology Certificate
Best For
Those seeking to deepen behavioral finance knowledge and planning outcomes.
Timing
< 9 Months
Format
The College’s Financial Psychology Certificate is 100% online and combines guided study with live weekly sessions.
100% Online
Tuition
Starting at $2,050/course
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Help Clients With Key Insights
Guide Better Decisions
Discover practical tools for addressing client emotions and biases and for shaping healthy financial behaviors.
Improve Planning Outcomes
70% of financial planning recommendations are not implemented — turn insight into client action.1
Explain Market Movements
Build insights and skills to effectively explain to clients how they can remain steady through times of uncertainty.
Explore the MSFP Program
Strengthen Client Relationships with Behavioral Insights
Take your expertise to the next level as part of the full Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP) degree program. Get an in-depth look at the MSFP’s tracks, modular certificates, and student experience now.
Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
There are no prerequisites for the Financial Psychology certificate program if taken independently. However, if taken as part of the MSFP Program, a bachelor’s degree is required; additionally, three or more years of experience in financial services is preferred, but not required.
To earn the Financial Psychology Certificate, you must:
- Successfully complete three courses and achieve a final score of 80%
- Agree to comply with The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures
What You'll Learn
As client needs grow more complex, strong relationships are critical to successful financial planning. This certificate equips you with the psychological tools and communication skills needed to strengthen client trust, navigate emotional financial decisions, and deliver more effective planning outcomes.
Your learning outcomes include the following:
- Understand how biases, heuristics, and emotions shape financial behaviors and decision-making
- Apply behavioral finance theories to real-world planning scenarios and client conversations
- Use financial counseling and therapy techniques to support positive client behavior change
- Explore cultural, relational, and ethical considerations in financial psychology
- Navigate financial trauma and conflict to support clients in moments of stress and transition
Course Delivery
The learning format for graduate certificate programs like the Financial Psychology Certificate is 100% online, with guided study and synchronous components including live weekly classes and weekly homework required. Learners must complete all three courses within the program to earn the certificate. Each class is eight weeks long, with the ability for students to complete the certificate program in under six months.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from nationally-recognized academics, researchers, and practitioners
- All-Online Resources: All-virtual lessons organized in sequential units and supported by short videos, knowledge checks, quizzes, and case studies.
- Grading: Earn a final course grade of 80% or higher to pass, and quizzes count toward your final grades.
- Stackable Learning: Earn your standalone certificate or use it as part of your journey toward your MSFP degree!
Clients Need Behavioral Support
20%
Fewer comprehensive financial advisors field requests for portfolio changes compared to those who only manage investments.2
75%
Of investors fixate on their initial purchase price, affecting their willingness to sell or adjust positions.3
60%
Of investors hesitate to take risks due to fear of making a poor decision.3
Apply Now If:
Tuition Overview
Single Courses
Starting at $2,050
Limited-Time Savings
Save $750 Off First Course
Single Courses
$2,050 per course
Individual courses can be purchased for $2,050 each. To complete the full program, students must complete three courses:
- MSFP 536 Behavioral Finance — Provides an overview of behavioral finance research and theory and how those apply to client-advisor relationships.
- MSFP 591 Financial Psychology — Explores the impact of psychological factors on financial decision-making and how to work with and through those factors for improved client-advisor relationships.
- MSFP 592 Financial Therapy and Counseling — Introduces various therapeutic and counseling techniques that can be employed to support clients in making positive changes.
We educate our clients to make informed decisions for their financial futures; therefore, we have to be educated ourselves. Enrollment in The College is one of your wisest decisions to grow your knowledge and your practice.
Sherrilee Buller
CLU®
My time at The American College of Financial Services has been amazing. The professors are experts and really make complex topics easy to understand. The flexibility of the programs allowed me to balance my studies with my career, and I’ve gained practical skills that I use every day.
Derek Schletzer
ChSNC®
As an adult student, making a career change or furthering your career knowledge can be challenging. The College’s instructors are very knowledgeable and supportive in grasping concepts, and the advising team is invaluable in navigating the learning journey.
Rona Drummer
ChFC®
01/00
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With the Financial Psychology Certificate, you’ll stand out by combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional and behavioral factors that drive client decisions.
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1 Forbes. Why Most Financial Plans Fail. 2021.
2 TheAmerican College of Financial Services. Advising Through Uncertainty Study. 2025.
3 International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews. Behavioral Finance: How Investor Psychology Affects Stock Market Trends. 2025.