FAMILY SCIENCE, BS
Understanding the Family
Family Science is a major based on social sciences that focuses on the study of families, couples, and communities. This major provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand family dynamics and relationships and to offer support to families in various contexts. Through taking courses such as Family Resource Management, Human Growth & Development, Family Policy, and Family/Parent Education, students learn the research, theory, and practice related to the field. They gain an understanding of the role of family in social contexts, how family dynamics can affect individuals and groups, and how to use evidence-based approaches to create positive change in families.
Family Science for non-majors: Family Science Minor
Family Science Scholarships
Several scholarships totaling over $10,000 are available to students officially registered as a Family Science major each year. Scholarships are awarded based on different criteria such as program of study, need, leadership skill, attitude, or academic achievement. One of the larger scholarships requires an ACT (composite) score of 22, and another requires that the recipient be a first-year student. These often go unawarded. Thus, anyone meeting either of these criteria should apply because chances are highly in their favor. Applications are typically due in March, but can be submitted at any time.
Family Science, BS Curriculum
This information is presented for informational purposes. In the event of a discrepancy between this page and the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Bulletin should always be used.
General Education Curriculum
In keeping with The W's Mission, the General Education Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.
The W's General Education Program provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.
All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women general education program will demonstrate:
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Literacy
- Quantitative & Technology Skills
- Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
- Life-Long Learning
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:
- 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
- 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 (or higher)
- 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
- 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course
A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.
Certified Family Life Educator Certification
The major core courses represent Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) content. Our program is approved by the CFLE program to offer this coursework which leads to the CFLE credential. Students completing coursework in an approved program can complete an abbreviated application process through which they can bypass the national, standardized exam for CFLE. In order to bypass the exam, however, students must complete their application for CFLE within two years of graduation, and their coursework must have been completed within the 7-year period prior to graduation. If students exceed the two-year deadline, they will have to take the exam. If students have coursework dated to 7 years or more prior to graduation, they can either repeat the coursework or opt to take the exam. These requirements are in line with CFLE requirements. Note that certification is not required for graduation.
Major Core Courses:
(CFLE content; Minimum grade of C and 2.5 GPA)
FSC 203 - Professional Issues
PSY 206 - Human Growth and Development
FSC 225 - Management of Family Resources
FSC 230 - Intimate Relationships
FSC 306 - Individuals & Families in Societies
FSC 330 - Human Sexuality
FSC 382 - Theories in Family Science
FSC 392 - Families in Crisis and Rehabilitation
FSC 401 - Families and Public Policy
PLG 432 - Family Law
FSC 465 - Program Planning and Evaluation
FSC 468 - Parenting in Contemporary Society
FSC 497 - Pre-internship Orientation
FSC 499 - Internship
Select one elective Family Science course:
(Minimum grade of C)
FSC 250 - Introduction to Aging
FSC 295 - Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Advocacy
FSC 316 - Family Violence
FSC 336 - Basic Helping Skills
FSC 351 - Women’s Experiences of Family Life
Research Core Courses:
(Minimum grade of C)
PSY 201 - Introduction to APA Style
FSC 290 - Introduction to Research also listed as PSY 290
PSY 454 - Applied Statistics
PSY 455 - Research in Human Behavioral Sciences
Additional Required Course
MA 123 - Statistics
Total Hours Required for a BS in Family Science: 120 Semester Hours