Montana State University offers a Masters of Science in Health and Human Development with an option in Family Financial Planning as part of the Great Plains Distance Education Alliance. If you are interested in distance programs in gerontology, youth development, or family and consumer sciences certification, please browse the other universities in the alliance to choose a program in one of these fields.

Why choose MSU?

Advisors in the Department of Health and Human Development have a reputation for being very attentive to caring for the student’s well-being in a holistic way.  While the teaching is rigorous and requires both effort and intellect, we understand that the class is only one element in an overall life.  Given that we value the individual and family, the student is viewed in the context of his or her multiple roles.  Advisors provide both a listening post and a source of advice for students.  Out here in the West, we are known for being friendly and genuine and we accomplish that, even online. 

Program description

The Family Financial Planning master’s degree is a 42-credit, completely delivered at a distance degree offered through a consortium of eight mid-western and western land-grant universities.  Montana State University is one of the participating universities, offering the courses on Family Economics and the Fundamentals of Estate Planning.  Montana State University master’s students will also take a three-credit practicum experience and a three-credit course in which a professional paper is written, and courses taught by MSU faculty. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Practicum, degree and course requirements may differ among the universities within the GPIDEA consortium. Please check specific course requirements before choosing your major or your university.