The well-being of individuals and families is a national and global concern, and the “family” as a focus for study in higher education has increased in significance. Since many disciplines contribute to the understanding of families, family studies is an integrative field which synthesizes knowledge from liberal arts disciplines, particularly biology, psychology, social work, sociology, and political science. The concentration in family studies is designed to enable students to learn about families in both theory and practice; it is a concentration that can enhance student learning in virtually any major on campus. The concentration is intended as a plan of study that will help to prepare students entering careers with families ranging from family therapy or education to ministry to family practice in law, medicine, nursing, social work or public policy.
Plan Your Concentration
Talk with a faculty member about course decisions and planning. Email, call, or stop by for an appointment.
- Courses suggested for family studies often meet General Education requirements
- Introductory social science courses are recommended preparation
- FS 232: Introduction to Family Studies is the first course, and is available fall semester each year; this course is not open to first year students
- Family studies concentration can complement any major, including CIS
- Study abroad opportunities fit nicely with a family studies concentration