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Apply hereHow to apply
Fulfill the admission requirements:
Completed bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate education.
If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 59 or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 180.
GRE scores are not required.
For questions about the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood & Family Policy program and how it fits your personal and professional goals, reach out to the program’s academic advisor, Angela Hull, at hullam@missouri.edu or call 573-884-9845.
Please send questions about the application process to HDFSgrad@missouri.edu. If you are an international student looking for more detailed admissions information, visit the International Programs page.
Application dates
This program is offered in eight-week sessions. We recommend that students submit applications at least six weeks before the start of class. The following are recommended deadlines.
| To start classes in | Apply by | Classes begin |
|---|---|---|
| Fall, 1st 8-week session | July 15 | August |
| Fall, 2nd 8-week session | Aug. 15 | October |
| Spring, 1st 8-week session | Dec. 1 | January |
| Spring, 2nd 8-week session | Jan. 15 | March |
Gather your papers
Applying will be easier and faster if you gather these required documents beforehand:
- Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Upload unofficial transcripts in your online application. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
- Resume or CV documenting your research and/or professional experience.
- Statement of purpose. Two pages outlining your previous experiences, career goals, and how this program aligns with your goals. This statement provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and to articulate both your passion and what a good fit you are for the program.
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or C1 Advanced score reports for applicants whose native language is not English. For information on sending test scores, visit the Grad School website.
Admissions decisions are holistic and based on:
- A review of your GPA. In exceptional cases, we will consider students with a GPA of less than 3.0.
- How well our program aligns with your past experiences and future goals, and your potential for success in graduate study as reflected in your application materials.
Admission is not contingent upon having a specific type of undergraduate degree.
Application timeline
This timeline is an estimate of what you can expect when you apply to the online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood & Family Policy program.
Complete your online Graduate School application.
Completed application and materials are prepared for review by an HDFS faculty committee.
HDFS faculty review and an admission decision is made. This process typically takes one-two weeks to complete. In the summer, decisions are sometimes delayed due to faculty availability.
HDFS sends a decision letter to the student and notifies the Graduate School.
The Graduate School reviews your official transcripts and other academic information to make a final decision about your admission. This process takes several weeks to complete.
If you are approved for admission by the Graduate School, an admissions offer will be sent to you. Once you accept, you become a Mizzou student and are free to enroll in courses for the coming semester.
You may check the status of your application by logging into the Graduate School online application and reading the information on your applicant dashboard. Contact the Graduate School for assistance via phone at 573-882-6312 or 1-800-877-6312, or via email at gradadmin@missouri.edu.
Complete the online application
Carefully follow the instructions on the application site.
- Upload the above documents in the online application
- Degree/delivery: Graduate Certificate-Distance (Online/Remote Site/etc.)
- Academic program: Early Childhood and Family Policy-Distance (Grad Cert)
- Application fee: $40.00
Application fee waiver questions: Contact MU Graduate Admissions with questions via 573-882-6311 or 1-800-877-6312 or via email at gradadmin@missouri.edu
Learn more about this program
Program contact
Angela Hull, PhD
- Director of General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies; Associate Teaching Professor, Truman School of Government and Public Affairs
- hullam@missouri.edu
- 573-882-0036