Family Science and Services Major
Department: Family and Consumer Sciences
Major: Family Studies
Anchored in knowledge of human ecological systems; human development throughout the lifespan; and features of individual, relational, and familial well-being and resilience; Family Science and Human Development (FSHD) degrees prepare students for effective practice in a range of human service roles and settings. Students select one of three majors–Child Development and Services, Family Science and Services, or Youth and Community Development–to further individual academic and professional interests, goals, and preparation. Each major includes 27 credit hours of coursework in core FSHD courses (cognates) and 27 credit hours of major-specific credits. (Cognates help support transitioning from one FSHD major to another when needed.) A grade of “C” or better is required for all required FCS classes in the majors.Three 15-credit hour minors are also available.
The Family Science and Services degree prepares students to use preventive and educational approaches within a diversity of settings to strengthen individual and family well-being across the lifespan.
The major centers on building skills and knowledge in family dynamics; the interrelationship of families and society; human growth and development throughout the lifespan; parent education; human sexuality; family resource management; family policy and legislation; professional ethics; impacts of cultural and historical contexts on individual, families, and societies; and teaching and developing effective curriculum.
Graduates of the program are eligible to be granted provisional status as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) by the National Council on Family Relations. Recent graduates hold positions as sexuality educators, caseworkers, family court workers, substance abuse assessment specialists, and volunteer and activity directors in state government, community programs and public and private agencies.
All required FSHD core courses are available online. Students can also take the majority of FSHD classes for any concentration in-person (FCS 1030, FCS 2190, and FCS 4295 are only offered online). The Family Science and Services major can be completed fully online.
There is no minor required with the Family Science and Services major. Students must successfully complete the WMU Essential Studies requirements.Advising and registration for FCS 2020 Field Experience and FCS 4295 Internship is provided within the FCS department. Please contact Melinda Holohan for more information.
Program guides
- Catalog years 2024 to present (for catalog years 2024 and beyond, the major is called Family Science and Services)
- Catalog years 2022 to 2023 (for catalog years 2022 to 2023, the major is called Family Science and Human Development: Family Studies)
- Catalog years 2020 to 2021 (for catalog years 2020 and 2021, the major is called Family Studies)
- Catalog years 2017 to 2019 (for catalog years 2017 and 2019, the major is called Family Studies)
- Catalog years 2014 to 2016 (for catalog years 2014 and 2016, the major is called Family Studies)