The courses are taught by Penn State faculty using a combination of web and email resources as the delivery method. Applications are now being accepted for the certificate of children, youth, and family services. Upon successful completion of the program, a Certificate of Academic Accomplishment is awarded.
Course List - Undergraduate Certificate in Children, Youth, and Family Services
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | HD FS 129 (GS) | Introduction to psychosocial and family development at all stages of the individual and family life cycle. | 3 credits |
| Infant and Child Development | HD FS 229 (GS) | Theory, research, and methods of social/behavioral/biological sciences related to developmental processes and intervention during infancy and childhood. | 3 credits |
| Adolescent Development | HD FS 239 (GS) | Social, behavioral, and biological development and intervention throughout adolescence. | 3 credits |
| Human Development and Family Studies Interventions | HD FS 311 | Survey of individual and family formal and informal intervention efforts; historical and current perspectives and approaches. Prerequisite: HD FS 129 |
3 credits |
| Family Development | HD FS 315Y (GI) | Family functions over the life course; family from a multidisciplinary perspective, emphasizing adaptation and change. Prerequisites: HD FS 129; 3 credits in social, behavioral, or human biological sciences |
3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Biobehavioral Health | BBH 101 (GHA) | Introduction to an interdisciplinary study of health, examining the interaction of biological processes and behavior on health. | 3 credits |
| Values and Ethics in Health and Human Development Professions | HD FS 301 | Examines bases for choices among values in personal and professional relations in human development processes and supporting services. | 3 credits |
Foundation Courses (9 credits)
A series of core courses, divided into several areas of focus.
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | PSYCH 100 (GS) | Introduction to general psychology; principles of human behavior and their applications. | 3 credits |
| Introductory Sociology | SOC 001 (GS) | The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life. | 3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Physiology | BIOL 141 (GN) | Normal structure and function of the animal body, with special emphasis on human body systems. (Students who have passed BIOL 472 may not schedule this course.) | 3 credits |
| Human Body: Form and Function | BI SC 004 (GN) | A general survey of structure and function — from conception, through growth and reproduction, to death. (Students who have passed BIOL 129 and BIOL 141 may not schedule this course.) | 3 credits |
| Introductory Principles of Nutrition | NUTR 251 (GHA) | The nutrients: food sources and physiological functions as related to human growth and well-being throughout life; current nutrition issues. (Students who have passed NUTR 151 may not schedule this course.) | 3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Speech | CAS 100 (GWS) | Principles of communication, implemented through analysis and evaluation of messages, with some attention to formal speaking and group discussion. | 3 credits |
| Rhetoric and Composition | ENGL 015 (GWS) | Instruction and practice in writing expository prose that shows sensitivity to audience and purpose. Prerequisite: ENGL 004 or satisfactory performance on the English placement examination |
3 credits |
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.