The University of Rhode Island’s Human Development and Family Studies Department recently became the only program in the state to offer provisional certification as Family Life Educators from the National Council on Family Relations.

Certification is provisional because undergraduates need to complete the appropriate course work, then complete 3,200 professional hours or about two years in the field. Graduate students need to complete 1,600 professional hours to become certified.

The certification offers students opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including business and family resources services, community-based social services, education, faith-based organizations and government and public policy.

Certification is also available to Human Development and Family Studies students who have graduated within the last two years and have completed the necessary course work.

For the complete list of certification courses and requirements, visit http://www.ncfr.com/pdf/approved_programs/U_of_Rhode_Island_UG.pdf, call Marilyn Martin at (401) 874-2388 or e-mail mmartin@uri.edu.