The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy, which is administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, is an online program that provides students opportunity to develop essential policy skills including understanding and using data to examine issues of equity, to advocate effectively for constructive policies by using research, and to understand the nuances of the policymaking and implementation processes. 

This innovative program includes four 8-week courses that can be completed in two semesters. Courses are taught primarily asynchronously with some virtual sessions to enhance engagement. In addition, each course includes experiential learning opportunities to promote the development of skills necessary for success upon graduation and enhance the relevance and translation of course work to career. It is intended to meet the needs of individuals who seek introductory graduate training as well as those who have already earned a graduate degree, but who would benefit from academic study of early childhood and family policy.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted, students must apply via their home institution and plan their course of study under the guidance of their academic advisor. Michigan State University students follow established University admission procedures.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy

The program is available only online. Each student’s course of study must be developed and approved in consultation with the academic advisor. Course work required is through The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA) consortium, distributed as follows:

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits from the following:

All of the following courses:
History, Child Development and Equity									3
Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues									3
Theory, Analysis, and Research									3
Policy, Leadership, and Policy Advocacy									3

Michigan State University students should contact the Department of Human Development and Family Studies or consult the Michigan State University Schedule of Courses for current course schedule and other information.