The Family Studies major prepares students to use preventative and educational approaches in a variety of settings to strengthen individual and family well-being across the life span. Students explore relationships among individuals, families and their environment and culture with the goal of improving quality of life within communities and society at large.

The Family Studies major includes knowledge about human growth and development; parent education; family dynamics; societal factors that influence family life; human sexuality; interpersonal relationships; family resource management; family law and public policy; ethics; and family life education methodology.

Graduates of the program who earn a grade of “C” or higher in all of the required FCS courses for the major will be granted provisional status as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) by the National Council on Family Relations. Recent graduates hold positions such 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.