Press Releases

Posted: May 31, 2023



Fullerton, CA — Hope International University (HIU) in Fullerton, California, has been approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) to provide a new financial planning baccalaureate program. The Business & Management Major with Concentration in Financial Planning at HIU offers students an in-depth understanding of financial planning principles, investment management, risk management and insurance, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. Upon completing the program, graduates will be well-positioned to pursue CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

Those who earn CFP® certification distinguish themselves among their financial planner peers by meeting CFP Board’s education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements. Students completing the financial planning program at Hope International University will meet the coursework requirement for CFP® certification® and be eligible to sit for the CFP® certification exam administered by CFP Board.

“We are immensely proud to receive CFP Board’s approval for our new program,” said Dr. Lydia Knopf, Dean of the College of Business and Management. “Our team has worked diligently to develop a curriculum that not only adheres to CFP Board’s high standards, but also equips our students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in the financial planning profession.”

Dr. David Nanigian, Director of Education of CFP Board, confirmed the approval of this innovative program at HIU. This endorsement from CFP Board recognizes the program’s comprehensive curriculum, distinguished faculty, and commitment to equipping students for success in the financial planning profession.

“I congratulate Hope International University on the registration of their Business and Management Major with a Concentration in Financial Planning Program with CFP Board,” said Dr. Nanigian. “By offering this CFP Board Registered degree program, Hope International University is providing its students with comprehensive and up-to-date training in personal financial planning.”

CFP Board is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that consists of two affiliated nonprofit organizations, both focused on achieving their Strategic Priorities. The mission of CFP Board of Standards, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, is to credential competent and ethical financial planners, uphold CFP® certification as the recognized standard and advance the financial planning profession. The mission of CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is to advance competent and ethical financial planning and expand CFP® professional diversity for the benefit of the public.

CFP Board currently oversees more than 300 programs at more than 200 institutions. CFP Board Registered Programs are financial planning education programs at the college or university level that meet specific criteria for educating individuals who wish to fulfill the education component for obtaining CFP® certification.

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For more information, contact Dr. Xi Bai, Director of Financial Planning, College of Business and Management, E: [email protected], P: 714-879-3901, extension 1269. Persons interested in enrolling in this program should contact HIU's Admissions Office at 888-352-HOPE or apply online.