Practical skills. Real impact.

Strong families and resilient communities are essential for promoting well-being, advancing education, and supporting economic and social development. This certificate offers a concise yet impactful pathway to deepen your expertise in family dynamics, consumer behavior, and community development. Students gain skills in critical thinking, program planning, and evidence-based practices. Designed to complement existing graduate programs or serve as a stand-alone credential, this certificate is ideal for educators, extension agents, social service professionals, and anyone passionate about strengthening families and communities through informed, impactful work.

Program Requirements

To complete the Family and Consumer Sciences graduate certificate, students must complete 12 credit hours. All certificate students must take FCS 600, FCS 610, FCS 620 and three credits of an elective course. The Family and Consumer Sciences graduate certificate is designed to partially meet the elective concentration component of the MS in Science Translation and Outreach.

FCS 600 Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences
An advanced study of the family and consumer sciences 16 areas of core competencies, including a survey of theories used within family and consumer sciences, providing students with a knowledge of theoretical bases for family and consumer sciences program development. Conceptual frameworks and theoretical approaches are introduced and applied. (3 credits) Prereq: None

FCS 610 Media Technology, Families, and Society
This course examines the complex, bi-directional relationship between media technology, families, and society. Students will explore modern media influences and discern ways new technology has shaped and changed the landscape of family life, societal norms and practices, socioeconomic structure, and access to information. Course content will emphasize competencies applicable to professional practice in education and outreach. Students will learn how to develop research- and evidence- based recommendations for individuals and families impacted by media- related issues. (3 credits) Prereq: None

FCS 620 Working with Diverse Families in Culturally Sensitive Contexts
This course will focus on cultural diversity in American children and families with a specific focus on the intersection of culture, ethnicity with different family stressors, and how they relate to Kentucky children and families. Implications will be considered for designing and implementing culturally sensitive educational and community programs targeting families facing various stressors. Study of the variations in beliefs, traditions, values and cultural practices in American families and how to leverage these in programmatic efforts to build resiliency in children, families, schools, and communities. (3 credits) Prereq: None

Office of Lifelong Learning brochure material. Photo by Pete Comparoni | UKphoto

Electives

Students must complete three credits of graduate-level electives as approved by the Assistant Certificate Director.

Admission Instructions

Applying to Graduate School
All applicants must meet both program and Graduate School admission requirements. Consult the Graduate School or the Assistant Certificate Director for program-specific information related to deadline dates and any supplemental materials required for your application. All application materials must be uploaded to UK’s online graduate application system. For questions about UK’s online graduate application process, email GSAdmissions@uky.edu or contact the Assistant Certificate Director.

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Assistant Certificate Director
Joann Lianekhammy, PhD

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