Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services

Enable financial success with your Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services from Ashford University.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services program is designed to prepare you for a career in insurance, investments, or family financial advisement. While this program provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of business finance; personal financial planning; investment management; life, health, property, and casualty insurance; principles of banking; consumer lending; and trust operations, it is distinct from corporate finance due to its focus on individual and personal support. You will learn to evaluate investments based on risk and potential returns, and you will examine the role of insurance in personal financial planning.

Career Opportunities
More financial advisors are needed to assist the millions of workers retiring over the coming decades. Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services include:

• Family financial advisors
• Retirement consultant
• Credit counselor
• Personal financial planner
• Investment analyst 
• Broker

Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services

Program Outcomes

• Analyze and communicate financial information to individual consumers;
• Assess legal concepts and their application to the individual investor;
• Evaluate the US banking system and its regulation, examination, and control and the personal account limits of the various regulatory agencies;
• Assess the role of advisor in the provision of business services to clients.
• Develop a life-time financial plan;
• Examine the role of life, health, property, and casualty insurance in business and personal financial planning; and
• Evaluate various types of investments in terms of their risks and potential returns.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits* 
• Major Course Requirements: 45 credits*
• Electives: 26 credits

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.

*In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement.
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements

Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
• System requirements
  The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course. 

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services

Steer your career with your Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Financial Services. Your online coursework focuses on financial institutions, markets, and the laws that govern them. Topics also include taxes and risk management.

Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements

Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements
(45 credits, all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

BUS 215 Personal Financial Management
This course provides an introduction to the field of personal financial management and planning, focusing on the tools individuals and families employ to manage their financial affairs.

BUS 311 Business Law
Introduction to the legal environment of business in the United States. Examination of the Constitution, administrative law, contracts, agency, and the protection of competition, consumers, employees, investors, the environment, and international trade.

ECO 203 Principles of Macroeconomics
Introduction to national income determination and the equilibrium level of output and employment. Monetary and fiscal policies as well as open economy issues are discussed.

ACC 205 Principles of Accounting I
Introduction to the principles and procedures of general financial accounting with an emphasis on reporting to individuals outside the organization. Development of accounting reports on an accrual basis.

SRV 301 Introduction to Service Management
This course introduces management in the 'intangible industries' organization and addresses the central challenges presented by services organizations. The course also addresses the need for value creation through customers, the role of organizational leadership, and the role of services in modern society.

PHI 445 Personal & Organizational Ethics
This course studies the theories and paradigms underlying personal and organizational values and ethical principles; how personal values and ethical principles relate to the organizations in which people function; and the effects of the organizations ethics on its reputation, functioning and performance.

BUS 308 Statistics for Managers *
This course examines the application of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis in business decision making. Additionally, the course focuses on the utilization of statistical methods as applied to business problems and operations.

ECO 316 Financial Institutions & Markets
A study of money and capital markets concentrating on interest rate determination, the major public and private financial institutions in the US economy, and the major types of financial instruments including bonds, equities, and derivative instruments.

BUS 330 Principles of Marketing
The methods used by producers of goods and services to determine and satisfy the wants of society. An examination of external and internal environments that impact marketing decisions, the basic elements of a marketing program, and issues in ethics and social responsibility.

BUS 323 Risk Management & Insurance
Basic corporate finance is presented with the emphasis on risk and return, bond and equity markets, valuation of bonds and equities, present value analysis, internal rate of return analysis, and project analysis using the weighted average cost of capital.

BUS 342 Financial Planning & Practice
This course is a study of the various aspects of family financial planning from the perspective of the financial planning professional. It introduces the legal and regulatory issues affecting financial planners, defines the client-planner relationship, and prepares the planner to conduct family financial analysis. Emphasis is on providing the student with the knowledge and tools necessary to help families make informed financial decisions.

BUS 401 Principles of Finance *
Basic corporate finance is presented with the emphasis on risk and return, bond and equity markets, valuation of bonds and equities, present value analysis, internal rate of return analysis, and project analysis using the weighted average cost of capital.

BUS 405 Principles of Investments
The study and analysis of securities and other forms of investments. Emphasis is on investment principles from the managers point of view.

ACC 401 Federal Income Taxes I
A study of federal income tax laws and their application to individuals, partnerships, and corporations.

BUS 458 Consumer & Family Finance Capstone
This course provides a link between the traditional advisement services (finance, investment, tax, insurance, retirement planning, trust planning) and the clients life plan to manage financial affairs. As a final exercise, students complete a model financial plan for a mock client.

* Math competency must be met before taking these courses.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat

With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.