CFP Certification Courses, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Program Courses

PDP courses are offered online, remotely, and on-campus. Please refer to the Schedule Notes for course delivery information.

IMPORTANT: The registration process for all professional development courses requires you to (A) register for your course, (B) complete an acknowledgment of Northwestern University's Student Expectations and COVID-19 Code of Conduct in CAESAR, AND (C) update your emergency contact information . Current students with an active NetID must complete their student acknowledgment in CAESAR before registering for courses. New students must complete their student acknowledgment in CAESAR within 48 hours of enrollment before official registration can be finalized.
Please contact pdp@northwestern.edu for assistance.

FN_EXTND 312-0 : Investment Planning

Description

This course surveys the wide variety of investment vehicles that can be included in a client's investment portfolio, introducing risk-return criteria as a means of evaluating alternatives. The broad spectrum of investments is explored, ranging from guaranteed- and fixed-income products to derivatives and private placements. An emphasis on the client is the overriding theme for the course, beginning with the client needs assessment as it relates to risk tolerance, return requirements and liquidity needs. Techniques for selection, timing, measurement and diversification of investments are studied in detail. Different strategies and valuation models are used to understand fundamental investment principles. Modern portfolio theory, risk management, market strategies, efficient market theory, and asset allocation and diversification are introduced. Retirement planning and employee benefits will be discussed, as will relevant ethical considerations. Students analyze expected return characteristics individually and in combination within a hypothetical portfolio. Specific investment types discussed include stocks and bonds, mutual funds, insurance-based investments, options and futures contracts, foreign investments, real estate, tangible assets, and other debt and equity securities. Other topics include tax considerations, economic factors, the portfolio construction and management process, portfolio performance evaluation methods, market analysis, hedging and option strategies, and formula investing. The course also discusses government regulation of securities and markets. This course is offered during the winter and summer terms.

Registered students can access their online course site here. An activated NetID and password is required for login. *Please note: It may take up to 24-hours for registered students to be added to the online course platform.