University Catalog 2026-2027

Family Life Education and Coaching (Certificate)

The Graduate Certificate in Family Life Education and Coaching prepares students to work with parents, professionals, and families as both family life educators and family life coaches. Family Life Educators (FLE) are strengths-based professionals who provide preventative research-based education to families in organized efforts designed to impart information, skills, experiences, or resources to strengthen, improve, or enrich their family experience. Family Life Coaches (FLC) partner with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires families to maximize their potential, reach goals, and achieve healthy relationships. Required courses are designed to strengthen the student’s understanding and application of the critical aspects of family life coaching and education, including a strengthened understanding of the fields of coaching psychology and family life education. The 12-credit graduate program can be completed entirely online.

More Information

Distance Website

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of these requirements for admission to the graduate certificate program:

  • Be a graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of graduation, or
  • Be a degree student in good standing in a NC State University graduate program

Applicant Information

  • Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
  • Entrance Exam: None
  • Interview Required: None

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: February 1 (International students); June 15 (US students)
  • Spring: July 15 (International students); November 1 (US students)

Plan Requirements

Required Courses9
Applied Concepts in Parenting and Family Life Education
Family Communication and Coaching
Family Life Coaching
Elective Course3
See "Elective Courses" listed below
Total Hours12

Elective Courses

Select one of the following electives that most aligns with your professional interests:3
AEHS 502Theories in Family Science3
AEHS 525Family Relationships Over the Life Course3
AEHS 531Effective Management of Family Resources3
AEHS 533Complex Family Issues3
AEHS 537Human Sexuality3
AEHS 552Program Development & Evaluation in Youth & Family Settings3
AEHS 553Applied Concepts in Child and Youth Development3
AEHS 585Professional Ethics and Family Policy3