Family Studies Major
Why study family studies at CMU?
The family studies program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in human services, which may include work with families, at-risk youth, and other family-related services. Consider these key features distinguishing this program:
- Excellent preparation for graduate school. For example, CMU is the only Michigan university with an accelerated five-year bachelor's-master's degree program in Human Development and Family Studies
- Practical experience through internship opportunities in a variety of human services settings
- Professional development through organizations such as the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children
- Scholarship opportunities for qualified students
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Job opportunities in the social and human service field are expected to be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate postsecondary education.
- The number of social and human service assistants is projected to grow more than 26 percent, ranking the occupation among the most rapidly growing.
- The number of jobs for social and human service assistants in local governments will grow, but not as fast as employment for social and human service assistants in other industries.
Career options
Graduates of the family studies program at CMU will find career opportunities in many areas of social and human services. Some of these may require additional education.
- Families At-Risk
- Family Finance
- Family Life Education
- Family Programs
- Pregnancy Prevention
- Teen Parenting
- Youths At-Risk
- Youth and Family Services
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Family Studies Major
This major is designed for students who either plan to enter the human services field upon graduating from CMU, or attend graduate school for advanced education. The program prepares students for careers dealing with adolescent pregnancy prevention, teen parenting, family finance, family life education, families and youth at-risk, and other family-related services. With appropriate graduate education, potential career options include: marriage and family therapy, sexual therapy, family research and/or college instruction.
Students who take this major cannot minor in Family Studies or double major in Child Development.
Students may only double count 9 credits when combining the Family Studies Major with the Child Development Minor.
( Total: 39 Semester hours )
3
HDF 100 Lifespan Development
Study of the basic principles of human development and their relation to family interactions throughout the lifespan. (University Program Group III-A) Recommended: Students who have taken EDU 280 or PSY 220 should seek departmental advice prior to enrollment.
3
HDF 211 Marriage and Close Relationships
This course examines the cultural and historical factors and processes that affect the development of marital, familial, and other close relationships across the life course.
3
HDF 307 Parent-Child Relations
The study of the parent-child relationship, and the impact of that relationship on the development of both children and parents. Prerequisite: one of: HDF 100, EDU 280, or PSY 220.
(12 hours)
Required Courses I
Family Studies Content
( Note: For this requirement, you may select only one of HDF 315 OR 214, not both. )
3
HDF 213/WST 213 Introduction to Human Sexuality
Human sexual development throughout the life cycle. Emphasis on understanding and acceptance of self as a sexually functioning person. Identical to WST 213. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
HDF 214 Consumer Economics
Consideration of issues and problems related to the informed and responsible consumer.
3
HDF 315 Family Management Theory
Integrated nature of family management; values, goals as reflected in decision-making regarding family resources.
3
HDF 411 Families in Social, Legal, & Political Contexts
This course examines how factors from social, legal, and political contexts influence family development and functioning over the life course. Prerequisites: HDF 211; Senior standing.
3
HDF 418 Family Development in Late Life
This course examines individual development and aging within the context of the family: marriage, singlehood and widowhood; intergenerational relations and grandparenthood; sibling relations and friendships.
(12 hours)
Required Courses II
Professional Skills and Methods
3
HDF 219 Field Work
This course examines service learning and potential career paths for professionals in Human Development and Family Studies. Field placements required. Prerequisites: A signed major in Child Development or Family Studies; HDF 100 or HDF 211 or PSY 220.
3
HDF 319 Family Studies Skills and Methods
An introduction to the skills and methods essential for work with individuals and families in service fields. Prerequisites: HDF 219 with a grade of C+ or better; a signed major in Child Development or Family Studies.
3
HDF 414 Human Development and Family Studies Research Methods
This course is an introduction to research methods within human development and family studies. Prerequisites: HDF 100 or PSY 220 or EDU 280; HDF 211, HDF 291; PSY 211; 3 other HDF credits in human development and family studies.
1-12
HDF 419 HDFS Internship
A structured internship that provides students with an opportunity to work in a professional setting serving the needs of individuals and families. No more than 6 credits may be taken each semester. Prerequisites: HDF 317 or 319 or 506 with a grade of C+ or better; a signed major in Child Development or Family Studies.
Select additional hours from the following list:
( Note: You may select only one of HSC 519 OR REL 334. )
3
COM 562 Family Communication
The study of verbal and nonverbal communication processes, patterns, and problems in the family. The uniqueness of the family system as a communication context is emphasized. Prerequisites: COM 251, 301 with grades of C or better.
3
GRN 247 Introduction to Gerontology
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging with a focus on the normal changes that occur as one ages physically, mentally, and socially. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
HDF 110 Oppression: Roots and Impact on Human Development in the United States
Examines the roots and impact of different forms of oppression on the development of individuals within the family context. (University Program Group IV-C) This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
HDF 212 Families in Cultural Perspective
The varieties of family forms and resulting patterns of interpersonal relations to be found throughout Western history and in selected Western and non-Western cultures. (University Program Group III-B)
3
HDF 302 Human Growth and Development: Infancy
Pregnancy, prenatal development, childbirth, and the development of infants and toddlers (to 3 years) within the family and the larger social systems. Prerequisite: HDF 100 or EDU 280 or PSY 220.
3
HDF 306 Adolescent Development
Study of adolescence and issues relating to the family of a teenager. Prerequisite: HDF 100 or EDU 280 or PSY 220.
3-6
HDF 320 HDFS International Service Learning
An international cultural immersion experience working on a service learning project under the supervision of a faculty member. Depending on the service project approved, prerequisites may include language credit or ability, completion of specialized courses, or demonstration of appropriate skills for the project. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
3
HDF 413 Facilitating Discussion in Human Sexuality Groups
The purpose, rationale, professional issues, planning, techniques and methods, learning objectives, evaluation, and guided experience in facilitating discussion in human sexuality groups. Prerequisites: permission of instructor; HDF 213 or SOC 213 or WST 213.
3
HDF 511 Seminar in Human Sexuality
Survey of professional literature pertaining to human sexuality. Prerequisites: HDF 213 or HSC 222.
3
HDF 513 Readings in the Family
Survey of professional literature related to the family. Prerequisites: HDF 211 or HDF 411 or SOC 411.
3
HDF 517 Readings in Marital Counseling and Divorce
Analysis of changing philosophical conceptualizations of marriage and family, as reflected by emerging issues in marriage counseling and divorce. Prerequisites: HDF 211.
3
HSC 519 Death Education and Suicide Prevention
A holistic study of the cultural, spiritual, legal, ethical, psychological and controversial aspects of death. Emphasis will also be placed on suicide prevention. Prerequisites: must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework.
1
HSC 523 AIDS Education
A concentrated study of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, including the origin, prevalence, spread, disease process, psychosocial aspects and implications for society. Prerequisites: HSC 106, or teaching certificate. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
2
HSC 524 Workshop on Health Fitness
Guidelines for fitness appraisals and exercise prescription for healthy and high risk adults.
1
HSC 525 Sexually Transmitted Disease Workshop
Concentrated study of sexually transmitted diseases, modes of transmission, and role of public health agencies and schools in coping with the problem.
3
HSC 526 Behavioral Health
Concentrated study of mental health and illness as related to home, school, and community. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format.
1
HSC 527 Sex Education Workshop
Concentrated study of sex education and roles of home, school, and community. Not open to students with credit in HSC 222.
1
HSC 528 Smoking and Health Education Workshop
Concentrated study of physiological, psychological, sociological, and educational aspects of smoking. Not open to students with credit in HSC 235.
1
HSC 529 Alcohol Education Workshop
Concentrated study of physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of alcohol education. Not open to students with credit in HSC 235. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
1
HSC 530 Drug Abuse Workshop
Concentrated study of the effects of drugs and narcotics. Roles of home, school, and community in drug education. Not open to students with credit in HSC 235. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
REL 334 Death and Dying: Religious Dimensions
Religious and cultural understandings of death; selected religious and moral problems related to death, e.g., suicide, abortion, euthanasia; religious rituals and death. Prerequisites: 12 hours of college credit. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
SWK 100 Introduction to Social Work
Principles and values of social work, community resources and social service agencies, helping methods, and the role of the professional social worker.