The Certificate Program

The Department of Family Studies offers a one-year, 14 to 15-credit, multidisciplinary program of study leading to a graduate certificate in Adolescent Development or Child Advocacy and Family Policy. 

Adolescent Development:  This certificate program builds general competence in understanding and applying theory and research regarding adolescent development, with particular emphasis on the influences of families and communities. The program is grounded in an ecological approach that focuses on supporting the health and well-being of all adolescents, with special attention to using a developmental perspective to develop programs, policies, and other interventions that address contemporary risk and protective factors.

Child Advocacy and Family Policy:  This certificate program develops general competence in understanding theory and research regarding advocacy and policy issues impacting children and families. Certificate students will develop competency in planning for, implementing, and evaluating family policies, as well as identifying barriers to effective advocacy and policy-making.

Program requirements for both certificate programs include:

• Completion of two core Family Studies courses
• Completion of two additional elective courses, one of which must be in Family Studies