Certificate in Family Science

Wilmington University's undergraduate certificate in Family Science was designed for those who are interested in how individuals develop and how to improve the quality of life for families and communities locally and globally. You’ll explore the psychological, social, cultural, and biological development of individuals from conception through adulthood and aging, within the contexts of their families, communities, and the broader society. It is particularly beneficial for students who plan to work with children, families and/or individuals in helping roles.

The Family Science certificate is also an excellent foundation for graduate study in family science, family therapy, counseling, law, psychology, sociology, social work, health, human resources, early care and education, and related fields.

Key elements from family science include:

1. acknowledgement and preservation of family strengths;
2. understanding families as systems; that is, whatever occurs with one family member will typically affect all family members;
3. assisting families in management of their material and social resources;
4. advocating for public policies that support family strengths; and,
5. the ability to understand human development and lines of social interaction in order to support family engagement in practice that is professional and ethical.

The Family Science certificate consists of fifteen (15) undergraduate credits. Twelve (12) credits make up the core of the certificate program. Students may choose three (3) credits from a menu of approved electives. Students must complete the Undergraduate Certificate Program form so that the certificate will appear on their transcript.

Note: Students are held to all prerequisite requirements; some students may require more than five (5) courses to complete this certificate.

Curriculum

Core Requirements (12 Credits)

PSY 329 Life Span Development

PSY 454 Children and Families in Context

PSY 455 Adolescents, Adults and Families in Context

SOC 302 Marriage and the Family

Electives (3 Credits)

ECE 217 Family, Community, and School Partnerships

PSY 319 Family Systems

PSY 453 Families and Crisis

PSY 499 Internship in Family Science

SOC 469 Step-Parenting & Blended Families

This information applies to new students who enter this degree program during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. All enrolled students should log in to MyWilmU Degree Works to view their personalized course and program completion requirements. You may also refer to the academic catalog for the general curriculum for this program from previous academic years.