Overview of the Family Studies Major

The family studies major provides academic linkages across disciplines based in the liberal arts. The major supports the college's emphasis on cross-cultural and experiential learning. In preparation for graduate level work and professional career opportunities, a research course assists students in evaluationg and critiquing the research literature. The core courses introduce students to the field of family studies and explore issues, problems, concerns and roles within the family life span and the varied dimensions of human sexuality and interpersonal experience. Lastly, students explore special topics which focus on the explanation of research and the connections between various disciplines in the study of families.

The major will not be offered past the class of 2011 (see description of concentration, beginning with class of 2012)

Requirements for the Major (10 courses)

Prerequisite Courses
Sociology 121 or 260, and Psychology 125

Recommended Courses
Biology 123 or 243

The major requires completion of 10 courses as follows

  • Introductory course: Family Studies 232;
  • Core courses: Family Studies, 242, 253, 391;
  • Cross-cutural course: choose from
    • On-Campus Options: Political Science 215, Psychology 249, Sociology/Anthropology 128, 236, 239, 242, 249, 261
    • Off-Campus Options Family Studies 263, Psychology 226, or Social Work 256
    • Other Options: Other courses as approved in writing by family studies faculty or department chair
  • Experiential Perspective: (one course or preapproved alternative):
    • Academic Internship: Family Studies 294, Social Work 294, Psychology 294
    • a plan that is not offered as a course but is approved by family studies faculty or the department chair
  • Research methods: (one course) Social Work 274, or Psych 231, or Soc/An 371;
  • Interdisciplinary Electives: (three courses) Choose any three from the following area. (It is not necessary to choose all from one area.)
    • Human Development: Bio 123; Psych 241, 264; Soc/Anth 248
    • Public Policy: Poli Sci 114, 246, 270; Social Work 221, 258
    • Social Problems: Soc/Anth 243, 245, 263, 264