Undergraduate Certificates
Human Development and Family Science offers two undergraduate certificates. Students earn these certificates in conjunction with their majors and minors from any area of study.
To add one of these certificates, complete the “Minor/Cert/Advisor Change Form”.
Aging Studies Certificate
Throughout the world, people are living longer than ever before. Aging Studies is a growing field that is relevant to many careers in varying disciplines, and professionals with credentials in this area are in high demand. The Aging Studies undergraduate certificate enables students to learn more about current issues that affect adults as they age. Required courses cover physical, cognitive, social, financial, psychological, societal, and cultural aspects of aging. Students will learn foundational information, as well as how to apply it in real-world contexts to improve quality of life for older adults and their families
- All courses for the Aging Studies Certificate are available online.
- Aging Studies Certificate is not available for HDFS majors in the Adult Development and Aging option.
- You do not need to be an HDFS major to earn this certificate
- The Aging Studies Certificate will appear on your final transcript
Aging Studies Courses needed:
- HDFS 360 - Adult Development and Aging (Spring: Online)
- HDFS 480 - Community Resources of Later Life (Online Odd Fall Semesters)
- HDFS 482 - Family Dynamics of Aging (Online Even Fall Semesters)
Family Financial Planning Certificate
The Family Financial Planning undergraduate certificate is designed for students who want to help individuals and families with financial challenges work toward long-term financial well-being. Required courses give students experience in consumer issues, personal and family financial planning, and financial counseling, and are grounded in real-world, hands-on learning opportunities. Students will learn foundational information as well as how to apply it in practice with both individuals and families. Completion of the certificate makes students eligible to take the Accredited Financial Counseling exam, the first step in becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) ©.
- All courses for the Family Financial Planning Certificate are available online.
- You do not need to be an HDFS major to earn this certificate
- The Family Financial Planning Certificate will appear on your final transcript
Family Financial Planning Courses needed:
- HDFS 186 - Smart Spending and Saving (Fall: Online)
- HDFS 357 - Personal and Family Finance (Fall, Spring, and Summer: Online; Spring: In person)
- HDFS 477 - Financial Counseling (Spring: Online)
Foundations of Mental Health Care Certificate
Start your journey in the helping professions with NDSU’s nine-credit undergraduate certificate in foundations in mental health. This program introduces the core principles of mental healthcare through courses in mental health practice, psychopathology and psychopharmacology, offering practical knowledge for students pursuing careers in healthcare, education or human services. You'll gain valuable insight and skills to better support individuals with mental health needs in any professional setting.
- You do not need to be an HDFS major to earn this certificate
- The Foundations of Mental Health Care Certificate will appear on your final transcript
Courses needed:
- HDFS 380 Introduction to Mental Health Professions
- PHRM 468 Mental Health Medications
- CNED 406 Psychopathology in the Health Professions