Hero Image

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

(On-campus rate is for in-state students)

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.

Learn More


Loading…

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 & Admission


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:

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.

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

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features


Upcoming Events

March 2025
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
242526272812
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31123456
Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Thu
27

Registration Opens – Designated Populations

at calendar-day
Fri
28

Registration Opens – Post-Baccalaureate & Remaining Seniors

at calendar-day
Fri
28

Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

at recurcalendar-day
Mon
31

Registration Opens – Juniors

at calendar-day

News & Updates

Café Burrier Serves Up a Gourmet Experience in Richmond

The stoves are on and culinary expertise is simmering on the third floor of the Burrier Building at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Operated and managed by EKU applied human sciences students or students minoring in food and nutrition, and under the direction of Chef Sangwook Kang, Café Burrier offers a unique fusion of educational experience […]

EKU’s Global Hospitality and Tourism Degree Prepares Students for a Booming Travel Industry

As tourism rapidly recovers from pandemic-era travel restrictions and revenge spending encourages travelers to get out and explore, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Global Hospitality and Tourism program prepares students for a career centered on the world of modern travel. According to Statista, the worldwide travel industry surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with revenue peaking at […]

EKU Graduation Speaker, Gracy Kelley, Encourages Class of 2024 to Embrace “Firsts” in Life

At Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremony on May 10, Honors Scholar Gracy Kelley stood before her fellow graduates encouraging them to embrace the “firsts” in life. With the support of her friends, family and peers, she navigated challenges from COVID-19 to the complexities of student life. “My firsts did not come without a […]

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

Burrier Building
Room 102

2388 Crabbe Street
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3445
ahs@eku.edu