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Undergraduate Certificate in Family Services

Department of Applied Human Sciences

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Undergraduate Certificate in Family Services

Department of Applied Human Sciences

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus & Online

Options

17 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $410 Per Credit Hour

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Make a Lasting Impact on Your Community

EKU’s family services certificate focuses on the knowledge and skillsets needed to provide educational and support services to families, parents and children. The program prepares human service professionals to take on leadership roles and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families within the community. Earn this credential while completing your bachelor’s degree and enhance your learning experience and career opportunities.

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Career Outlook

The demand for professionals with backgrounds in childhood development and early childhood education has grown steadily in recent years and is expected to continue to increase through 2031.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Early childhood development and early childhood education are challenging and rewarding fields.

Job Titles Include:

  • Head Start/preschool teacher
  • Early childhood educator
  • Curriculum specialist
  • After school teacher
  • Assessment specialist

EKU child and family studies graduates are prepared to teach or administer in private and early childhood programs.

Employers Include:

  • KinderCare Learning Center
  • Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
  • University of Kentucky Hospitals
    Wild Health
  • Cumberland River Behavioral Health

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Personalized graduation plan
  • Free tutoring and career services assistance
  • Coursework including child development and family studies that incorporates National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional preparation standards

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment

EKU is dedicated to preparing the highest quality early childhood professionals for Kentucky and beyond. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as child and adolescent development, family stress and resilience, and family involvement with young children.

A minimum of 18 credits are required to graduate.

View the program requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the college enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

Professional photo of Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2710
stephen.howard@eku.edu

Emily Calvert

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2772
Emily.Calvert@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CEAHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

photo of Emma Moffett

Emma Moffett

EKU Family and Consumer Sciences Education Student
The faculty at EKU has played a large role in my experience at EKU. I have learned so much from the professors teaching my classes. The labs that EKU has on campus allowing students to sew, cook, teach preschoolers, and observe students in the classroom is a great plus to EKU. The professors are so knowledgeable about what they are teaching their students; and with the smaller class sizes building relationships within the classroom with my peers as well as professors is something I cherish.
photo of Alex Bowman

Alex Bowman

EKU Family and Consumer Sciences Education Graduate
What I found surprising about the FCS education program at EKU was the variety of course work you get to take. As a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher you are required to be knowledgeable in many topics including child development, foods and nutrition, hospitality and tourism, and fashion and interior design. I was worried that I would not have a solid understanding of each area. However, through the program at EKU I became very well rounded. Earning a bachelors degree in family and consumer sciences has allowed me to work at my dream job. I love getting to do what…
EKU graduate Timothy Knight

Timothy Knight

EKU Global Hospitality & Tourism Student
The individualized caring attention and focus provided is something I never thought you could get at a University this size. Mrs. Seaman answered all of my questions and went through all of my scenarios to figure out the best schedule for me. I never felt rushed or like she had more people to get to even though I imagine she did.

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Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.
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News & Updates

Related Programs

B.S. in Child & Family Studies

Common Job Titles: preschool teacher, after school teacher, assessment specialist

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences

Common Job Titles: child & family services advocate, middle grades teacher, USDA cooperative extension service agent

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: credits

Contact Information

Department of Applied Human Sciences

521 Lancaster Avenue
102 Burrier
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3445
ahs@eku.edu

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