An online college has announced that it will offer new a education program that is designed for financial professionals who wish to represent individuals in nontraditional arrangements, such as lesbian, gay and transgender relationships.

The school, which specializes in financial services education, will offer coursework that will allow scholars to earn an Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA) designation. The college said it is the first specialty of its kind. The curriculum addresses the emerging financial issues, such as wealth transfer, taxation, retirement and estate planning, that are of specific concern to domestic partners in nontraditional relationships.

Students have the option of enrolling in either a self-study program or an instructor-led course. Both versions of the course typically take between one and two months to complete. To qualify for the ADPA, individuals must hold at least one of the following designations: CFP, CIMA, ChFC, CPA, AAMS, AWMA, CPRC, APMA or a JD.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of job opportunities for personal financial advisors will grow by 30 percent over the next eight years, which is must faster than the average rate for all occupations. The BLS says that the number of retiring baby boomers will significantly increase in the coming years, and many of them will seek professional advice regarding their personal investments.