Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions

Certificate

Hours: 12 Online

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions provides in-depth training on the challenges and joys of navigating major life transitions. This 12-credit certificate is perfect for sociology students completing degree requirements, professionals seeking to enhance their skills for client support, or anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of life's key phases. Through required courses, you'll explore topics like marriage, remarriage, childrearing, aging, death, and dying, equipping you with tools and knowledge for personal and professional growth.

This program will help you develop new skills to handle transitions, gain insights into human behavior, and learn techniques for supporting yourself or your clients through grief and change. If you're ready to create a more meaningful future with in-depth training on life's journey, contact us to begin your certification.

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

Our Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions program stands out due to its entirely online format. Explore life's transitions and learn to navigate major phases for yourself and your community. The flexible online format lets you focus on education despite the flow of life's demands.

Other programs may offer similar content, but with our Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions, you'll have the advantage of defining your schedule. Access coursework whenever convenient and build the skills to practice successful transition management – a benefit to yourself and those around you.

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for various individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the significant transitions we all experience throughout life. Here are some key groups who would find this program valuable:

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 understand the complex relationship between significant life events and societal influences. Upon completing the program, you will be able to:

Analyze the Profound Impact of Social Structures on Life Transitions

Develop a critical lens to examine how factors like gender, race, social class, and deeply embedded cultural norms profoundly shape our experiences of milestones such as entering adulthood, forging bonds of marriage, and the journey of parenthood. Students will analyze the diverse expectations and lived realities that individuals encounter based on their unique social positions.

Dissect the Complex Dynamics of Life Stages

Explore the distinct stages of life – childhood, adulthood, aging, dying, and death – with a nuanced understanding that these stages are not solely defined by biology. The program emphasizes how society shapes our experiences and perceptions of development across the lifespan.

Evaluate the Fluidity of Lives in a Changing World

Gain the capacity to analyze how individuals navigate constant change, shifting roles, evolving relationships, and multifaceted life transitions. Students will develop insights into the adaptation processes and the challenges faced across different stages of the human experience.

Apply Knowledge to Real-World Contexts with Confidence

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions goes beyond theoretical knowledge, empowering students to apply their understanding to the real-world challenges individuals and families face. This makes graduates well-suited for careers in human services, social work, counseling, or related fields where a deep understanding of life experiences and social forces is essential.

Real-World Applications

Life is full of transitions, those moments of change that shape our experiences. Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions program uniquely focuses on understanding these processes. Students will explore the joys and challenges of navigating life's phases while examining how individuals interact with family, community, and society. Students gain the tools to support successful transitions by learning to define social norms, recognize societal influences, and understand the flow of human development.

This specialized certification prepares individuals for real-world applications in various careers. Whether you work with children, families, or the elderly or simply want to understand life transitions, this certificate program offers valuable insights and practical knowledge.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Our Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions program is designed to help you navigate life's inevitable changes. Best studying life transitions is ever evolving, and our faculty continuously updates the curriculum. This ensures you're exposed to the latest research, theories, and approaches for successfully dealing with life's significant phases and moments.

With this program, you'll explore the challenges and opportunities of personal and interpersonal shifts. You'll learn how to find joy amidst change and support others. Upon completing the program, you'll receive a Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions, demonstrating your expertise in this critical field.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions program offers a uniquely focused and theoretical approach to understanding life's major transitions. Our course delves into the complexities and demands of pivotal life moments. Students explore the psychological and social processes that individuals experience within each phase.

A Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions is ideal for those seeking a deep understanding of how people navigate significant life changes. The program's comprehensive curriculum examines the full spectrum of human life, offering insights into the personal and societal experiences at each stage. The knowledge gained will equip students to understand better and support individuals undergoing major life transitions or phases.

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

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions provides a comprehensive sociological exploration of life's significant milestones. Dive into core courses that dissect the dynamics of gender, family communication, stepfamilies, sexuality, aging, and death and dying. This program is designed for those hoping to understand the broader context of major life transitions or professionals seeking to enhance their skills in the human services sector. Gain a sociological toolkit to navigate life's complexities with our Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions.

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 at Fort Hays State University equips you with practical skills for dynamic and rewarding roles in human services. With these skills, step into case management positions immediately after completing their bachelor's degree, providing essential support to individuals and families. The certificate is also powerful preparation for pursuing an advanced degree required for some of these areas of practice.

Community Counselor

Offer guidance, resources, and advocacy to individuals within a community setting. Counselors may address issues like mental health, substance abuse, or life transitions.

School Counselor

School counselors play a pivotal role in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment by supporting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being.

Social Worker

Social workers assist individuals, families, and groups facing various challenges. They can specialize in child welfare, mental health, or healthcare.

Clinical Psychologist

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders using various therapeutic approaches. Clinical psychologists often work in private practices, hospitals, or research settings.

Marriage and Family Therapist

These therapists work with couples and families to improve relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. They address a wide range of issues that impact family dynamics.

Case Manager

Coordinate services and care plans for individuals facing complex needs. Case managers often work within 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 $3,087.96* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($257.33/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.

Apply

Related Programs

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions at Fort Hays State University helps students gain unique insights into the milestones and challenges we experience. You may want to also consider the following option:

FAQ

What distinguishes the Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions?

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions distinguishes itself with a unique focus on the challenges and opportunities that arise during significant life changes. It offers a sociological lens, helping students understand how social structures, roles, and expectations shape individual experiences throughout life. The program emphasizes practical skills for supporting oneself and others through transitions. The flexible online format caters to busy schedules. Students will learn to analyze social impacts on transitions, dissect each life stage's complexities, understand life's fluidity, adapt to change, and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

How does the program address various life stages and transitions?

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions program offers a focused exploration of life's defining moments. The program delves into the complexities of marriage, remarriage, childrearing, aging, death, and dying, examining the joys and challenges of these transitions. Students develop skills to successfully navigate change, understand the influence of societal structures, and learn how to support themselves and others. The entirely online format offers flexibility, incorporating real-world examples and balancing theoretical understanding with practical application.

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

The Fort Hays State University Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions program explicitly focuses on life development. This is evident through its description, which emphasizes navigating major life transitions and its course offerings. These courses delve into essential life development topics such as marriage, remarriage, childrearing, aging, death, and dying, providing tools and knowledge for personal and professional growth within life's key phases.

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

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions offers a deep dive into the challenges and joys of navigating significant life changes. Perfect for sociology students, professionals in human services, or those seeking personal growth, this program will help you develop transition management skills, understand how societal factors shape your experiences, and provide tools to support yourself or others through change. The certificate's flexible online format, focus on real-world application, and continuously updated curriculum ensure you gain the most relevant knowledge. With courses covering marriage, childrearing, aging, death, and more, this certificate is ideal for anyone wanting to build skills to navigate life's transitions and potentially open doors to careers in the human services sector.

Is the course entirely online?

The Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions at FHSU is a fully online program that delves into the challenges and opportunities of life's major transitions. You'll learn how society shapes life experiences, gain tools to support individuals through change and stay updated on the latest transition research. The program's theoretical focus and focus on specific life phases, combined with real-world connections and hands-on activities, prepare you to understand transitions deeply and apply your knowledge to offer support in various 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

Online

Request Information

Are you a current student at FHSU?*

First name*

Last name*

Email*

Phone number*

I would like more information about