Society and policymakers are becoming more and more focused on the importance of the early years and the need for quality services that are distributed equitably and sustainably over time. The online early childhood & family policy graduate certificate is geared for those who plan to work and support young children and their families. Courses are taught online n 8-week sessions.
Students develop essential policy skills and understand the interrelationship of early childhood and family policies from a range of systems including mental health, education, health care, family leave, child abuse and neglect, incarceration of parents, and minimum wage.
This graduate certificate prepares you to be an advocate. It may also provide opportunities and experience to advance into leadership positions.
The curriculum provides real-world applications that can benefit people working in a variety of fields such as:
Graduates of Early Childhood and Family Policy can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2025 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.
History, Child Development, and Equity (3 credits)
Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues (3 credits)
Theory, Analysis, and Research (3 credits)
Policy, Leadership, and Policy Advocacy (3 credits)