The online graduate certificate in child policy is for early childhood professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of child, youth, and family policy to work on behalf of children (ages 0–12) and adolescents (ages 13–20) being served in education, health, or juvenile justice settings.
As a student in the Child Policy graduate certificate program, you’ll study issues across education policy, child policy, juvenile justice, and policy making. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to understand research about child and youth development; learn how research can be used to inform policy; and how to effectively network and communicate with policy makers to make change.
Program Features
Study Online
With the online certificate in child policy, you’ll learn through asynchronous content modules that include materials like readings, activities, podcasts, or webinars.
Spring Start
The 16-credit child policy certificate program has a spring semester start. Complete in just two semesters (spring and summer) with full-time enrollment. The program can also be completed on a part-time schedule.
The next cohort for the child policy certificate will begin in spring 2027; limited stipends are available for students applying for spring 2027 admission.
Career Outcomes in Child Policy
After completing the graduate certificate in child policy, you’ll have the skills to:
- Understand public policy and policy making
- Know how to use research on child and youth development to inform domestic and international policy
- Communicate and network with policy stakeholders
Alumni in Child Policy
With the Child Policy certificate, you’ll be able to synthesize research and policy to impact outcomes for children and adolescents. Graduates are successful in professional roles in a variety of settings, including:
- State and federal government
- Child and youth advocacy organizations and nonprofits
- Doctoral programs in public policy, human development, education, or psychology
A developmental and community psychologist, Dr. Stephanie M. Curenton is the director of the Center on the Ecology of Early Development (CEED). She studies the social, cognitive, and language development of racially and linguistically marginalized children within various contexts, such as parent-child interactions, early childhood care and education, professional development interventions for the early childhood workforce, and related state and federal policies designed to promote the positive development and health of young children.
Child Policy Courses
The 16-credit certificate in Child Policy offers a flexible curriculum, with courses such as:
- Child and Youth Advocacy
- Current Issues in Early Childhood Education
- Public Policy for Researchers
- Family and Community Engagement
- Current Issues in Child Poverty and Heath
Related Programs
MA in Educational Policy Studies
Be prepared to conduct rigorous education-focused research and data analysis to make informed decisions about PreK–20 education and child policies. With the MA in Educational Policy Studies, you’ll explore research policy, and learn to apply research to understand and evaluate policy.
EdM in Educational Leadership (PreK–12)
If you want to have an impact on PreK–12 education through leadership and policy roles at the local, state, and federal level, the EdM in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (PreK–12) offers several options, including administrator licensure.
MA in Leadership, Policy and Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being
Learn to understand and influence the systems that impact young children (birth to 8 years) and families. This master’s in early childhood leadership blends knowledge with education policy master’s and early childhood studies skills.
Admissions & Dates
SPRING 2027 Semester
Aug 15, 2026
Application Opens
SpRING 2027 Semester
Dec 15, 2026
Application Deadline
Spring 2027 Semester
Jan 19, 2027
Spring Classes Begin
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Child Policy graduate certificate. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.