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Texas Tech University

Personal Financial Planning

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Personal Financial Planning

Texas Tech's Ph.D. program - the first Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning

Students majoring in Personal Financial Planning receive comprehensive face-to-face instruction in the theoretical foundations of financial planning, including investments, retirement planning, financial counseling practices, risk management, and tax planning. The doctoral program at Texas Tech provides a rigorous foundation in theory and research methods in individual financial decision-making to prepare students to teach and conduct research in financial planning at an academic institution. Students who complete the Ph.D. will be eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. 

A Ph.D. without a master's degree may be pursued if applicants meet specific criteria. Students who have master's degrees without a thesis will take additional classes on statistics and research methodology.

The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor's degree, exclusive of credit for the dissertation. Up to 25 hours of leveling classes may be required for students who have not completed a CFP Board-Registered financial planning program. Students develop their courses of study in consultation with a graduate advisory committee. Following the completion of theory and research collateral coursework, a qualifying examination for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Graduate School. 

Admissions

Admission to the Ph.D. program is based on a comprehensive review of information rather than any single factor. Decisions are based on a review of the following criteria: 

  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
  • GPA from undergraduate and any graduate degree programs
  • Official transcripts 
  • One letter of recommendation is required, but up to three are accepted
  • Personal statement addressing these topics:
    • Describe the content area in which you would like to develop a specialization and research agenda. Please refer to the 2021 CFP Board Principal Knowledge Topics, AFC® Core Competencies, and CFT-I™ Competencies for examples of potential focus areas.
    • Describe what motivates you to pursue a Ph.D. to conduct research in your content area identified above.
    • Discuss where you would like to be career-wise in five years.
    • Identify your unique contribution as evidenced in your resume or vita, such as: 
      • Special accomplishments in industry or academic pursuits
      • Assets and strengths you will use in your research and teaching
      • Leadership experience and potential
      • Other unique life experiences relevant to the pursuit of a graduate degree
    • Describe your commitment to research, teaching, service, and practice in personal finance (including financial planning, financial counseling, financial psychology, financial therapy, and financial education, etc.).

Candidates demonstrating the potential for success based on their submitted application materials will be invited to a virtual interview. Final decisions for acceptance will be based on a holistic review of the submitted materials and interview.

For further information concerning program overview, requirements, career options, and/or procedures, contact:

Dr. Stuart Heckman

· Phone: (806) 834-0979

· Email: Stuart.J.Heckman@ttu.edu