An Undergraduate Certificate in Pre-Family Law, Advocacy, and Policy prepares students to understand how family dynamics intersect with legal systems, public policy, and advocacy and is ideal for those interested in meaningful careers in family law or other careers that support families via complex systems.
GAIN INSIGHT INTO LEGAL AND POLICY ISSUES
Identify and critically evaluate key family-related legal issues and explain how legal and policy contexts shape family well-being.
STRENGTHEN FAMILY FOCUS IN LEGAL AND ADVOCACY-RELATED CAREERS
Apply family systems theory, use family science in decisions, and work effectively with families’ contexts and needs.
PRACTICE REAL-WORLD ADVOCACY
Learn how to effectively advocate for evidence-based legal and policy solutions that support positive outcomes for children and families.
THE PRE-FAMILY LAW, ADVOCACY, AND POLICY CERTIFICATE CAN ENHANCE YOUR MAJOR AND CAREER GOALS
| Law (minor) | Gain specialized family-focused training for careers in family law or mediation; Understand how various laws and judicial decisions affect family functioning and well-being |
| Political Science | Understand how policies and government influence peoples’ everyday lives; Use family systems research to inform and advocate for policies that support individuals, children, and families |
| Psychology | Support the emotional and mental health of families navigating legal and policy systems; Prepare for careers in family law and mediation |
| Social Work | Prepare for careers in human and social services with a family systems lens on social and public policy; Understand how families navigate complex systems like child welfare, foster care, and housing resources |
| Nursing and Health Professions | Understand how healthcare policies affect children and families’ health and well-being; Advocate for family-inclusive policies in health settings |
| Education | Understand how educational policies affect children and families broadly and at the individual level; Build skills to advocate for children’s educational needs |
| Journalism | Gain insight on how legal and policy issues affect children and families for more in-depth reporting |
| Communication | Apply the science of effective communication to advocate for families; Create public relations and marketing campaigns for agencies that support children and families |
| Business | Enhance human resources policies and programs that support family well-being |
Apply for the Certificate in Pre-Family Law, Advocacy, and Policy
Complete the online application. Students should declare the Certificate after completion of 3-6 credits of HDFS certificate coursework and before all required courses are complete. Students are responsible for meeting the certificate requirements in place at the time of application.Criteria and Coursework for the Certificate in Pre-Family Law, Advocacy, and Policy
To earn the Certificate in Pre-Family Law, Advocacy, and Policy, an undergraduate student must successfully complete 15 credit hours of coursework, as indicated in the two groups listed below. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in each course used to satisfy the certificate requirements, and a minimum 2.00 GPA overall for the certificate courses taken.
This certificate is available to on-campus students in any undergraduate major. Students with an undergraduate major in HDFS may also earn the Certificate in Pre-Family Law, Advocacy, and Policy.
Required (3 courses; some have pre-requisites so plan accordingly)
- HDFS 1600: Foundations of Family Science
- HDFS 4720: Child and Family Advocacy
- HDFS 4725: Law and Families in Society
Additional course (choose 2; some have pre-requisites so plan accordingly)
- HDFS 3600: Partnering with Parents and Families
- HDFS 4610: Stress and Resilience in Families
- HDFS 4620: Family Interaction
- HDFS 4660: Helping Skills in Human Services
- HDFS 4680: Family Communication
- HDFS 4700: Children and Families in Poverty
Pre-Family Law, Advocacy, and Policy Certificate Advisor
Phone: (573) 882-3521
Email: warzinikk@missouri.edu