Graduate Programs in the College of Education
Master of Arts in Human Services
Emphasis in Family Life Education
This program is NCFR approved and graduates will be Certified Family Life Educators.
Program Objective
The primary objective of this degree is to articulate the definition and role of the Human Service professional - particularly the role of the family life professional. The broad principles and philosophy of family life education are explored including the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs, and the ability to define and establish leadership within the field.
Course Descriptions
FAS 533 Family Studies and Family Life Education 2 credits
This course familiarizes the student with the study of various family problems, stressors, and changes prevalent in today's society. Selected family issues are examined in light of the family life educator's role. Included in the discussion are the current issues affecting the nature of the profession, the family life education professional, various roles of the family life educator, and various theoretical stances that inform the family life educator's work with family problems and stressors? Students will develop specific sources focused on a specific topic of interest and a critical review paper outlining a current issue's impact on the family.
FAS 532 Navigating the Oceans of Data and Information 3 credits
The course is designed to introduce the scope and function of information and the research process in family studies. The course will introduce students to types and fundamental concepts and process in the research literature. Problem solving is viewed as one of the primary functions of the research literature information, leading to strategies and action for solutions and change. Students will gain experience developing a framework for consuming the research literature and information in family studies.
FAS 506 Families in Society 3 credits
This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the history, evolution, and demographics of the family. Kinship, family structures, functions, and roles are explored. Particular emphasis will be placed on the family's relationship to other systems and institutions in society.
FAS 504 Systemic Dynamics 3 credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of family strengths and weaknesses in light of internal dynamics of the family. Students will explore the family as a system of relationships extending across the family life cycle. The course includes a survey of current developments in the study of family and analysis of changes in American society and their influences on family life. Emphasis is placed on using family systems processes to examine and understand the internal dynamics of the family that lead to effective family life education program planning, implementation, and assessment.
FAS 530 Family Communication and Relationships 3 credits
This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. An emphasis will be placed on the physiological, psychological, social, and sexual development of relationships across the life span.
FAS 560 Intimate Relationships 2 credits
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the emotional and psychological aspects of intimate relationships. Topics include: dating and courtship; love and romance; and sexual behavior, values and decision-making. An emphasis will be on sexuality and intimacy in interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.
ED 500 Seminar A 2 credits
This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
FAS 551 Seminar in Human Growth 3 credits
This course includes a study of human growth and development throughout the life sycle. Consideration of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, spiritual, and personality development will be included.
FAS 570 Parent Education 3 credits
This course explores how parents teach, guide, and influence their children and adolescents. The course will emphasize parenting as a process, a responsibility, and a role that changes across the life span. Variations in parenting practices will be discussed in the context of building on strengths; empowering parents, and remaining sensitive to individual and community needs.
FAS 540 Family Decision Making 2 credits
This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the decisions individuals make about developing and allocating resources to meet their goals. The focus of the course is on internal dynamics of family decision-making processes and on the goal-directed behaviors of families in improving their quality of life. Topics include: decision-making, valuing, planning, communication, and organization skills for resource use.
FAS 525 Public Policy and Applied Ethics 3 credits
This course explores historical development of laws and public policy affecting families. Ethics and ethical implications of social change will be explored. Students will understand the legal definition of the family and laws that affect the status of the family. The course will focus on the role of the family life educator as an advocate for the well-being of the family. The formation of social values, respect for the diversity of values, and the social consequences of value choices are discussed within a family life education framework.
ED 505 Seminar B 2 credits
This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
FAS 534 Reflexive Assessment and Evaluation 3 credits
This course reviews the connection between research methods and the research question or problem. Students will explore the role of assessment and evaluation in family life education. Various forms of assessment will be considered with an emphasis on the recursive nature of assessment. Students will experience the process of establishing an assessment strategy for a program in family life education.
FAS 576 Methods in Programming 3 credits
This course rpovides a pedagogical framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation of programming for parent and family education,
ED 510 Seminar C 2 credits.
This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
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