Family & Child Studies Certificate

This Family & Child Studies undergraduate certificate program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the social dimensions of childhood and family. 

The program explores how various dimensions of diversity and inequality shape the dynamics of childhood and family, including topics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, immigration, adoption, class, and poverty. 

Through historical and cross-cultural analysis, students will learn about the family as a social institution, with a particular emphasis on the contemporary American family.

For more information, contact the Certificate Coordinator Esther Lamidi. 

Throughout the program, students will develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, practical analysis, and theoretical application, as well as critical writing, team-based research, communication, and oral presentation skills. Research methodologies that apply to these broader settings will also be covered.

Upon completion of this certificate program, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the social dimensions of childhood and family and be well-prepared for a variety of career paths.

The program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in mental health organizations, local and international family intervention programs, community action, and social service organizations. Additionally, students who are interested in social work programs or applying to graduate and professional schools may find this certificate beneficial.

To earn this certificate, students must complete four courses, totaling twelve credits.

• Nine credits must be at the 3000 level or above in Sociology; independent studies may not be used to earn this certificate.
• A minimum grade of 3.3 is required for each course applied toward the certificate.
• Additional sociology special-topic methods courses may be offered that can be counted toward the certificate. These courses must be approved in advance by the certificate coordinator.

Completion Requirements:

To complete the certificate program, students are required to submit a transcript and a five-page self-statement, evaluating theoretical and methodological perspectives that relate to family and child studies.

Students will also evaluate changes in their perceptions of childhood and the institution of the family as a result of program participation and implications for future scholarly and professional work.

The certificate will be mailed to recipients upon completion of a certificate audit and graduation and will appear on the transcript.

Required Course:

• SOC 3310 - Sociology of the Family

Suggested Courses:

• SOC 2240 - Childhood Socialization
• SOC 2300 - Transitions in Adulthood: Lifecourse Perspectives
• SOC 3320 - African American Families
• SOC 3630 - Adoption from the Inside Out: Sociological-Psychological Perspectives on Adoption
• SOC 4590 - Youth Gangs
• SOC 4610 - Youth and Society
• SOC 4960 - Juvenile Delinquency

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Once admitted to UCCS, students choosing to pursue a certificate must submit a Certificate Declaration Form.

After completing the program requirements, the student must submit the Certificate Completion Form with all supporting documents uploaded where indicated on the form. Students planning to pursue multiple certificates will need to submit separate declaration and completion forms for each certificate.

To learn more about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the UCCS Admissions page.

Additional resources for Admissions:

• Tuition Rate
• Cost of Tuition Estimator
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships