Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions

Certificate

Hours: 12 Online

About

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions at Fort Hays State University offers a focused, 12-credit curriculum that examines the experiences, challenges, and milestones that shape the human lifespan. Designed for sociology students completing degree requirements, professionals seeking to strengthen their ability to support others, or individuals interested in the dynamics of life transitions, this certificate provides both academic depth and practical insight.

Coursework addresses key topics such as marriage, remarriage, childrearing, aging, death, and dying. Participants develop a deeper understanding of human development and behavior, while also gaining tools for navigating grief, adaptation, and personal transformation.

This certificate prepares learners to better support individuals through critical life transitions, whether in professional settings or personal relationships. It offers valuable preparation for those working in human services, counseling, healthcare, education, or related fields.

Why pursue a Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions at Fort Hays State University?

FHSU’s Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions is distinguished by its fully online format, offering the flexibility to pursue education while managing life’s ongoing demands. This 12-credit certificate allows participants to explore major life transitions and develop the tools to navigate these phases effectively—both personally and within their communities.

This certificate provides the freedom to access coursework at any time, making it ideal for working professionals, adult learners, or anyone with a busy schedule. Students gain practical skills in managing life transitions, preparing them to support others through change and growth.

With its convenient format and relevant content, the certificate offers valuable insight and flexibility, empowering learners to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the major transitions that occur across the human lifespan. It offers valuable insight for a variety of learners, including:

Professionals in human and social services
Students seeking a specialization
Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life's passages
Social service professionals
Individuals seeking personal growth

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions prepares students to explore the complex relationship between major life events and the broader social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence them. Upon completing the certificate, students will be able to:

Analyze the Profound Impact of Social Structures on Life Transitions

Students will examine how social structures such as gender, race, class, and cultural norms shape life transitions like adulthood, marriage, and parenthood. They analyze the varied experiences and expectations influenced by individual social positions.

Dissect the Complex Dynamics of Life Stages

Participants will explore the distinct life stages—childhood, adulthood, aging, and death—highlighting how social factors shape experiences and perceptions beyond biological changes.

Evaluate the Fluidity of Lives in a Changing World

Students examine how individuals adapt to changing roles, relationships, and life transitions, gaining insight into the challenges and processes of adjustment across the lifespan.

Apply Knowledge to Real-World Contexts with Confidence

The certificate equips participants to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges faced by individuals and families, preparing them for careers in human services, social work, counseling, and related fields.

Real-World Applications

Life is full of transitions—those pivotal moments of change that shape individual experiences and development. The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions offers a focused exploration of these processes, examining how people navigate life’s phases within the context of family, community, and society.

Students in this 12-credit certificate will explore both the challenges and joys of major life changes, gaining insight into how individuals adapt across the lifespan. Coursework emphasizes the ability to define social norms, recognize societal influences, and understand patterns of human development. Through this learning, students acquire tools to better support themselves and others through key life transitions.

This specialized certificate prepares participants for real-world applications in a variety of professional settings. Whether working with children, families, or older adults—or simply seeking to better understand human development, they will gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies that can be applied in both personal and professional contexts.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

This certificate is designed to help participants develop a deeper understanding of the inevitable changes that occur throughout the human lifespan. It emphasizes current research, emerging theories, and practical strategies for effectively managing life’s most significant transitions.

Developed and regularly updated by experienced faculty, the curriculum reflects the latest insights in the study of human development and social dynamics. Participants explore both the challenges and opportunities that arise during personal and interpersonal transitions, learning how to find meaning in change and how to support others through similar experiences.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will hold a formal recognition of their knowledge and skills in this important area, preparing them to apply these insights in professional roles or in everyday life.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions offers a focused, theory-based approach to understanding major life changes. Through its curriculum, students examine the psychological and social processes that shape individual experiences across life’s key phases.

This certificate is well-suited for those seeking a deeper understanding of how people navigate significant transitions—such as marriage, parenting, aging, loss, and other developmental milestones. The coursework explores the full spectrum of the human lifespan, providing insight into both personal and societal dimensions of change.

Students gain valuable knowledge that can be applied in professional settings or personal contexts, equipping them to better understand and support individuals as they move through life’s most pivotal transitions.

What You’ll Learn:

Analyze the complexities of significant life transitions
Investigate the psychology behind life-changing events
Develop strategies for supporting those facing change
Explore the impact of societal influences on transitions
Gain tools for navigating life's pivotal moments

How You’ll Learn:

Engage in flexible, entirely online courses
Complete coursework on your schedule
Master theoretical approaches to life transitions
Learn through real-world applications and scenarios
Participate in hands-on activities

Courses

The certificate offers a comprehensive sociological exploration of life’s major milestones and transitions. Core courses examine key topics such as gender dynamics, family communication, stepfamilies, human sexuality, aging, and end-of-life issues. This certificate is designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the social context surrounding significant life changes, as well as professionals in the human services field looking to strengthen their ability to support others through these transitions. By completing this certificate, students gain a sociological framework and practical tools to better navigate and respond to the complexities of human development across the lifespan.

SOC 466: Sociology of Sexualities

This course is an examination of trends in sexuality, sex roles, fertility, marital and non-marital relations, parenting, and the impact of changing sexual practices on individuals and institutions.

SOC 350: Family Communication

This course analyzes the family as a communication system, covering multigenerational communication, ethnicity's impact, rituals, intimacy, and conflict resolution strategies.

SOC 355: Sociology of Death and Dying

This course analyzes the role of death in contemporary society, focusing on the mortality revolution, cross-cultural death practices, and American death management. It examines emerging issues and institutional reforms in death and dying.

Discover the full Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions equips participants with practical skills relevant to dynamic and rewarding careers in human services. These skills prepare individuals to pursue case management and related roles that provide essential support to individuals and families. Additionally, the certificate serves as strong preparation for those planning to pursue advanced degrees required for specialized areas of practice within the field.

Community Counselor

Community counselors provide guidance, resources, and advocacy to individuals within community settings. They assist with challenges such as mental health, substance abuse, and navigating life transitions.

School Counselor

School counselors play a vital role in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment by supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

Social Worker

Social workers support individuals, families, and groups navigating a range of challenges. They may specialize in areas such as child welfare, mental health, or healthcare.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders using a variety of therapeutic approaches. They commonly work in private practices, hospitals, or research settings.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists work with couples and families to enhance relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. They address a broad range of issues affecting family dynamics.

Case Manager

Case managers coordinate services and care plans for individuals with complex needs. They typically work in healthcare, social services, or rehabilitation settings.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions at Fort Hays State University provides participants with unique insights into the key milestones and challenges encountered throughout life. Additionally, the following option may be of interest:

FAQ

What distinguishes the Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions?

Fort Hays State University’s certificate offers a unique sociological perspective on the challenges and opportunities of major life changes. It emphasizes practical skills for supporting oneself and others through transitions. Delivered in a flexible online format, the certificate enables participants to analyze social influences, explore life stage complexities, adapt to change, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

How does the certificate address life stages and transitions?

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions explores key life moments such as marriage, parenting, aging, and end-of-life. Participants learn to navigate change, understand social influences, and support themselves and others. The fully online format combines theory with practical application and real-world examples.

Are there specific courses focused on life development in the certificate?

This certificate centers on life development, covering key topics such as marriage, remarriage, childrearing, aging, death, and dying. These courses provide essential knowledge and tools for both personal and professional growth.

What are the potential benefits of obtaining a Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions?

The certificate provides in-depth insight into navigating major life changes. Ideal for sociology students, human services professionals, and those seeking personal growth, it develops skills to manage transitions and understand societal influences. The flexible online format and updated curriculum focus on real-world application, covering topics like marriage, parenting, aging, and death. This certificate equips participants with valuable tools for supporting others and advancing careers in human services.

Is the certificate entirely online?

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions is fully online. It explores life’s major transitions, societal influences, and the latest research, combining theory with practical application to prepare participants to support others through change in diverse settings.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Life Stages and Transitions

Certificate

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