Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
About the Program
The Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is intended for professionals who work with infants, young children, families and caregivers, but who lack specific knowledge about promoting and supporting young children’s social-emotional development in the context of relationships and within early childhood systems of care.
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health field is multidisciplinary, so individuals across sectors (e.g., education, social work, public health) are encouraged to apply. It is also intended for students enrolled in graduate degree programs and those in related fields who need to meet continuing education requirements or desire additional academic preparation.
Program Mode of Delivery
Courses for this program are available entirely online.
Curriculum
The certificate includes advanced coursework focused on developing an understanding of caregiver-child relationships, family and community systems, culture and diversity, trauma informed care and reflective practice.
A student pursuing the certificate program is expected to have a minimum of three semester hours of undergraduate course work in child development. If deficient, the deficiency course should be completed during the first semester after admission to the certificate program. The deficiency course must be met with a grade of B or better.
A minimum of 15 credits are required for the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. The curriculum is comprised of nine credit hours of required course work and six additional credits of elective courses. Students must maintain a cumulative minimum 3.00 GPA in all course work to continue in the certificate program. Information about specific course requirements can be found in the NIU course catalog.
Applying to the Program
If you are not currently enrolled as an NIU graduate student: First, you will apply as a Student at Large (SAL) through the Graduate School. To submit an application, you must upload proof that you have received a baccalaureate or higher degree. Proof may include an unofficial copy of a transcript, teaching license or photocopy of a diploma. Visit the Students-at-Large Admission page to learn more or to apply.
After you complete the SAL application, complete the certificate program application with the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.
If you are currently enrolled as an NIU graduate student: Begin by completing the certificate program application with the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Faculty
- Thomas Pavkov, Ph.D. — FACS Chair
- Scott Sibley, Ph.D. — Associate Chair
- Melissa Clucas Walter, Ph.D.
- Susan Bowers, Ph.D.
- Jane Rose Njue, Ph.D.
- Flora Surjadi, Ph.D.
Why NIU Online?
We know you have responsibilities and commitments. It's just easier if you're able to take classes where you are without the commute. The good news is that with NIU, you're not alone. Your classmates and instructors are available via the same technology that helps deliver your classes. In our classrooms or in your living room, we want you to succeed academically because your future is our focus.
Program Type: Online graduate certificate
College: College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Family and Consumer Sciences
Credits Required: 15 credits
Tuition per Credit: $509.75
$878.99 (international)
(Learn more about tuition and fees)
Application Deadlines
For applicants residing in the U.S.
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
For international students living abroad
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | October 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Questions?
Contact Melissa Clucas Walter, Ph.D. at mcwalter@niu.edu or 815-753-6343