Master's Certificate in Structured Settlement Consulting (MSSC)
The NSSTA MSSC Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of structured settlements, combining academic rigor and perspective with the latest developments impacting the industry, designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise.
Upcoming MSSC Program
2026 MSSC Certification Program at University of Texas, Austin | McCombs School of Business
Join us for the MSSC certification program for 2025. This intensive four-day program provides advanced education for experienced structured settlement professionals seeking to elevate their expertise and credentials.
Start Date
March 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
End Date
March 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Location
University of Texas, Austin
McCombs School of Business
Austin, TX 78712
Capacity
Limited to 10 participants
Contact Information
- dsink@nssta.com
- (202) 844-5651
- CSSC/MSSC Committee
Program Overview
The MSSC program builds upon the foundation established by the CSSC certification, offering advanced knowledge and specialized skills for structured settlement professionals who have demonstrated experience and commitment to the industry.
Program Curriculum
The MSSC program will provide a comprehensive understanding of structured settlements, combining academic rigor and perspective with the latest developments impacting the industry.
The tentative curriculum will include the following (the Master’s Certificate Program will include an in-depth pursuit of many of the below topics with a practicum):
- Business Ethics
- Settlement Planning and Needs-Based Negotiation
- Federal tax law overview and industry applications
- The Economic Environment
- Trusts- Special Needs and Medical Reversionary Trusts
- Medicare and ACA Issues Affecting our Industry
- Negotiation Strategy
- Industry Case Studies and Tort law
- State and Federal Jurisdictional Issues
- The Behavioral Psychology of Settlement
- Laws Impacting NSSTA Members
- Insurance Claims Practices & Loss reserving
Pre-Qualifications
Standard Path
- CSSC Designation
- Seven years of structured settlement industry experience
Legacy Program
- Ten years of industry experience
- Active participation in NSSTA at the Board or Committee level
- Demonstrated contributions to our industry
Full Qualifications
- Years & experience in the Structured Settlement Industry
- Service to Structured Settlement Industry
- Mentoring contributions
- Board, Committees, Task Force work, and/or presentations at industry meetings
- Areas of professional expertise (i.e.: Liability, WC, Med Mal, Aviation, etc.)
- Percentage of your overall business that involves Structured Settlements
- Congressional efforts (i.e.: contacts & meetings with members of Congress/Senate; Take-the-Hill participation, etc.)
- The academic and professional diversity the applicant adds to the class
- Community Volunteer Work
- Discretion of the NSSTA CSSC/MSSC Committee
"The MSSC program was a wonderful learning experience. The presentation of information was expertly done and the Notre Dame experience was exceptional. Having been in the business for 30 plus years, I felt enriched by attending. It was a career highlight for me."
– Mal Deener, CSSC, MSSC, Berkshire Hathaway Group
Why do I need this?
Professional Benefits
- Elite industry recognition as a master-level practitioner
- Significant competitive advantage in complex settlement cases
- Access to an exclusive network of MSSC-certified professionals
- Leadership opportunities within the structured settlement industry
- Advanced education on specialized settlement topics
- Enhanced career trajectory and earning potential
Client Benefits
- Assurance of working with the industry's most qualified professionals
- Access to sophisticated settlement solutions for complex cases
- Expert guidance on intricate tax and legal considerations
- Strategic financial planning for high-value settlements
- Comprehensive approach to addressing complex client needs
- Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders in complex cases
"The MSSC designation has been transformative for my practice. It has allowed me to handle the most complex cases with confidence and has significantly elevated my standing with attorneys and claims professionals. The advanced knowledge gained through this program has been invaluable."
– Michael Thompson, CSSC, MSSC, Structured Financial Associates
Program Details
The MSSC program provides comprehensive education and training for experienced structured settlement professionals. Below you'll find important information about the program materials, schedule, and fees.
Program Materials
Participants receive a notebook of program materials and an outline of the classroom sessions upon acceptance of application and receipt of paid registration. In addition they must obtain the pre-program study materials that must be read prior to the classroom sessions on their own.
Plan to arrive on campus before 2:00 pm on Monday March 16 and leave after 1:00 pm on Thursday March 19. Classes will take place at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business Austin, TX 78712.
Program Schedule
Classes are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Upon completion of the program, students will be required to complete a detailed research paper that will be due 150 days after the attendance at Notre Dame.
Plan to arrive on campus before 2:00 pm on Wednesday and leave after 1:00 pm on Saturday. Classes will take place at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business Austin, Texas.
Program Fees
NSSTA Members
$3,750.00
Non-Members
$6,750.00
The fees will include the four-day classroom sessions, program materials, lodging and meals. Fees do not include text books and transportation.
Additional information regarding the program schedule, lodging, transportation and other program details will be provided upon program confirmation.
Applications
Applications will be evaluated by the Committee and notifications of acceptance will be sent to each applicant within two weeks of submission. Class size for both programs will be limited based on available classroom space and accommodations at Notre Dame. If qualified registrations exceed the program limit, a priority waiting list will be established in the event of individual cancellations.
General Criteria for MSSC Application Evaluation
NSSTA MSSC Program Applicants
- Complete the Application form online on the NSSTA website
- Demonstrate seven years of structured settlement industry experience
- Have CSSC Designation
NSSTA MSSC Legacy Program Applicants
- Complete the Application form online on the NSSTA website
- Demonstrate ten years of structured settlement industry experience
- Active participation in NSSTA at the Board or Committee level
- Demonstrated significant contribution and dedication to our industry
How to Apply?
The MSSC certification process is designed for experienced structured settlement professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the industry.
1 Verify Eligibility
Confirm you meet one of the following qualification paths:
- Standard Path: CSSC designation + 7 years experience
- Legacy Program: 10 years experience + NSSTA involvement + industry contributions
2 Submit Application
Complete the comprehensive application including:
- Detailed professional history
- Documentation of CSSC certification (if applicable)
- Professional references
- Case summaries demonstrating expertise
- Application fee payment
3 Application Review
Your application will undergo a thorough review process:
- Evaluation by the MSSC Certification Committee
- Possible interview with committee members
- Notification of acceptance decision
4 Program Completion
Successfully complete all program requirements:
- Attend the intensive residential program
- Complete all assigned coursework
- Pass the comprehensive examination
- Submit a capstone case analysis
Ready to Advance to Master-Level Certification?
If you are not an NSSTA member and are interested in applying, please contact us at info@nssta.com.
NSSTA members interested in applying can log in and apply on the member portal.