FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The goal of the program is to prepare students to provide family life education in schools, churches, youth programs, family service agencies, and other areas of the community. The certificate program is designed to cover the ten family life substance areas delineated by the National Council on Family Relations NCFR. (See list below). A Sacramento State certificate is awarded upon graduation provided all certificate and degree requirements have been fulfilled.
Note: This program is taken concurrently with established degree requirements. The majority of courses for the certificate program are applicable toward course requirements for a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. The certificate is not a teaching credential. In conjunction with a BA or MA degree or a state teaching credential, it may be helpful in obtaining employment as a Family Life Educator.
Admission Requirements
- Students must either be in a degree program at Sacramento State or must apply for graduate admission to the University.
- Both undergraduates and graduate students must have a GPA of at least 2.5.
- Students must apply for entry into the program through the certificate coordinator.
Program Requirements
- Complete a baccalaureate degree program with a major in Family and Consumer Sciences or a related field.
- A GPA of 3.0 (B grade or higher) must be attained for all courses taken in the program.
- At least 9 of the 21 required units must be taken in residence at Sacramento State.
National Council on Family Relations Family Life Substance Areas
Families in Society |
Interpersonal Relationships |
Internal Dynamics of Families |
Parent Education and Guidance |
Human Growth and Development |
Family Law and Public Policy |
Human Sexuality |
Ethics |
Family Resource Management |
Family Life Education Methodology |
Requirements - Certificate
Units required for Certificate: 21
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Specific course requirements are:(3) |
The Family and Social Issues |
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(3) |
Family Resource Management (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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(3) |
Issues in Parenting (CHDV 30, or CHDV 35, or FACS 52, or instructor permission) OR |
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Parent Education |
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(3) |
Family Life Education (Junior or Senior standing, or instructor permission) |
(3) Select one of the following:
Understanding Human Sexuality |
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Human Sexuality |
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Psychology of Human Sexuality (PSYC 2) |
(3) Select one of the following:
The Child in the Family |
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Adolescent Development (CHDV 30, or CHDV 35, or FACS 52, or instructor permission) |
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Adulthood and Aging in Human Development (A human development course or instructor permission) |
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(1-3) |
Internship (Upper division status; instructor permission obtained in preceding semester; 2.5 GPA or above) |
Career Possibilities
The Sacramento State certificate in Family Life Education can stand alone or serve as a step toward national certification through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Family Life Educators have employment opportunities in a variety of public service areas: social services, health and welfare, recreation, youth programs, community action, preschool/daycare, after school programs, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, senior citizens programs, military family support, parent education, community education, extension services, and family service agencies. For information on certification at the national level see www.ncfr.org.