Students are our future!
Support the CollegeAcademic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Family Studies?
The Family Studies major leads to a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in Family Studies. The family studies program explores family relationships across the life cycle. Courses focus on family relationships. Courses combine theory and research in examining how individuals and families relate to each other and to their environments. Analyzing change and searching for practical solutions to problems are central to this area of study. In addition to the major, minors are available in family relationships, critical family issues, and child studies.
Interests
A family studies major should possess a desire to understand and critically examine family interaction and relationships, as well as having a curiosity about family relationships (e.g., dating, marriage, parenting). It is important for family studies majors to have an ability to integrate information from various sources, a desire to apply information to solve problems related to families, and good communication skills.
Opportunities - Careers
The human relations aspect of family studies requires sensitivity to individuals and families, as well as their needs.
Employment possibilities are increasing with growing demand for quality child care, parenting education, marriage enrichment, adjustment-to-divorce programs, communications training, and other related programs. You might work as a corporate child care director or consultant, in human resources or personnel management, or customer relations. You could work as a stress management specialist, human service caseworker, divorce adjustment workshop leader or marriage communicator, family wellness program coordinator, or family life educator.
Human service encompasses a broad range of career possibilities. You could be a child care provider, family counselor or therapist, work with the YMCA/YWCA or other community organization, retirement home, youth organization, crisis center, or halfway house. You might become a counselor for a family planning organization, welfare program, or social service agency for families or individuals at risk. You might conduct research as a demographer, public opinion pollster, or policy evaluator for families with special needs.
You will need a graduate degree to become a licensed counselor or therapist, or go into social service agency management and policy making. The FSW faculty is helpful in providing information about your career options and graduate school. They can also help you decide which schools can best meet your needs and assist you in the application process. Recent graduates have enrolled in some of the top graduate schools nationwide in fields such as family therapy, counseling, social work, family studies, human development, and education. Other options include business, medical and law schools.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Family Studies and Social Work (101A McGuffey Hall, 529-2323)
- * Program Requirements
* Advising
* Professional and Career Opportunities
* Licensure and Graduate School Information