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Program Highlights

The mission of the Master of Science in Family Studies program is to offer students a multidisciplinary degree program which utilizes curriculum from counseling and human behavior and development to prepare students for employment in settings such as social service agencies, religious institutions, parent education programs, juvenile services, day care facilities, foster care programs, and retirement and/or assisted living facilities.

This degree provides graduates with the skills for crisis management and family enrichment and its interaction with other social systems in a wide range of organizations.

This program can be completed through a combination of online and on-campus courses or 100% online.

Career Impact

Graduates will provide prevention, enrichment, and education on the family and its interaction with other social systems in a wide range of organizations.

Career opportunities include social service agencies, religious institutions, parent education programs, juvenile services, daycare facilities, foster care programs, and retirement and/or assisted living facilities.

Earning Your Degree

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Degree Plan Requirements

6hrs

Required Graduate Studies

12hrs

Counseling Electives

18hrs

Major Requirements

The mission of the Master of Science in Family Studies program is to offer students a multidisciplinary degree program which utilizes curriculum from counseling and human behavior and development to prepare students for employment in settings such as social service agencies, religious institutions, parent education programs, juvenile services, daycare facilities, foster care programs, and retirement and/or assisted living facilities. The MS in Family Studies is an interdisciplinary degree from the fields of Counseling and Human Behavior and Development, offered in both classroom lectures and distance learning modes, emphasizing family life education.  Because the subject of family studies is such a universal topic, there is a wealth of organizations designed to deal with family issues. This program educates students in research, ethics, human behavior and development, and counseling skills. Graduates will provide prevention, enrichment, and education on the family and its interaction with other social systems in a wide range of organizations.

A graduate with a Master of Science in Family Studies will be able to:

  • Communicate the emotional, social, and developmental issues in the lifespan of families.
  • Articulate clearly and concisely the various theories of family development.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse cultures regarding family development.
  • Develop and apply a framework to identify family issues and alternative solutions.
  • Evaluate and apply ethical principles in dealing with family issues.
  • Articulate and ethically conduct research appropriate to family studies.
RequirementsHours
I. Required Graduate Studies6 hours
RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making3 hours
II. Major Requirements18 hours
CSL6765 Crisis Counseling3 hours
CSL6801 Life Span Development3 hours
HBD6767 Family Studies3 hours
HB6768 Aging & End of Life Issues3 hours
HBD6769 Human Sexuality3 hours
HBD6771 Conflict Management & Resolution3 hours
III. Counseling Electives12 hours
Selected by student from Counseling (CSL) courses excluding Pre-Practicum and Practicum courses12 hours
Total36 hours

 

Degree Plan Requirements

6hrs

Required Graduate Studies

12hrs

Counseling Electives

18hrs

Major Requirements

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"The school is very affordable...A great way to broaden a career or start a new one!"

R. Bray

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Master of Science - Family Studies

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