Online Human Services Certificate in Child and Family Services
Program at a Glance
- Eight courses provide basic skills and general knowledge of child and family services.
- Earn your certificate 100% online while meeting the demands of your career.
- Learn from professors who are experienced human services professionals.
- Credits earned in this program can apply toward a Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Human Services Certificate in Child and Family Services
Purdue Global’s Human Services Certificate in Child and Family Services is designed for individuals seeking a position or potential promotion in the field of human services.
The wellbeing of families and children has an impact on many societal systems such as schools, the economy, health and welfare systems, and criminal justice. The human services certificate program could help you make a difference in the lives of children and families, which in turn benefits your community.
Coursework is focused on preparing you to:
- Examine developmental milestones of children and adolescents.
- Recognize appropriate skills required of a human service professional.
- Assess client needs to determine appropriate interventions and/or services.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
By completing this human services certificate, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Qualified credits can apply toward certain Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.*
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required to enroll. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Career Responsibilities in the Child and Family Services
Human services assistants, advocates, caseworkers, family support workers, and human services program specialists help provide the following services:
- Family support
- Identifying and obtaining benefits
- Social and community service programs
- Assisting social workers resolve or prevent problems related to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care
Online discussion boards provide the opportunity to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences in their communities.
Students are invited to join the Human Services Club for further networking and educational opportunities.
What Courses Will I Take?
The curriculum for this human services certificate program will introduce you to child and family services and provide foundational skills and general knowledge to help you succeed in this field.
See All Human Services Courses- Applied Skills for Human Services
- Prevention and Crisis Intervention
- Case Management in Human Services
- Child Welfare and Family
- Studies in Child and Adolescent Development
Program Requirements
- Major Credits43
- Total Credits43
Career Opportunities
Purdue Global’s Human Services Certificate in Child and Family Services program can help graduates enter or advance in the child and family welfare field. Career opportunities include working as a social and human services assistant in a variety of organizations including state, government, nonprofit, or private sector organizations.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. This program was not designed to lead to certification or licensure as a social worker or counselor in any specific state, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Human Services Faculty Directory



Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our human services programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
*Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.