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Family Life Education

About Family Life Education more

The Concordia University, St. Paul Family Life program is conveniently offered in an online format.

The primary objective of the Family Life Education degree is to articulate the definition and role of the family life practitioner - 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.

Careers in Family Life Education more

Childcare Teachers

Social Service Professionals

Childcare Centers and Owners

Trainers and Curriculum Specialists

Head Start Teachers and Assistants

Faculty & Leadership

Chair, Department of Child and Family Education Professor, Psychology and Family Studies
Course for Family Life Education

FAS-200 Intro to Family Life Ed Available online

This course is an introduction to the field of family life education. Students will explore primary theoretical principles using the Life Span Family Life Education framework and professional issues influencing the practice of family life education. Emphasizing key content areas, the students will be introduced to: content area definitions and objectives; examples highlighting the integration of theory and practice in family life education; key resources; and future Issues and challenges for

FAS-220 Adolescent Development Available online

This course examines developmental characteristics of adolescence from a family systems perspective; covering physiological, emotional, cognitive, parent-child, social, vocational and religious dimensions with application to family life education and ministry.

FAS-401 Family Systems Available online

This course is an analysis of the family. It investigates the family as a system of relationships which interacts across the family life cycle. It includes a survey of current developments in the study of the family and an analysis of changes in American society and their influence on family life. Also included is a focus on marriage and family therapy from a systems framework.

FAS-440 Overview of Contemp Families Available online

This overview course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of families and their relationships to other institutions and an introduction to the family a dynamic system.  Specific attention will be given to family forms and composition; ethnicity and cultural variations; dating, courtship, and marital choice; gender roles; demographic trends among families; institutional effects on families and vice versa; and family structures and functions.

FAS-442 Family Decision Available online

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.

FAS-443 Parent Education Available online

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 teh context of building on strengths, empowering parents and remaining sensitive to individual and community needs.

FAS-444 Family Law Public Policy Available online

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

FAS-446 Methodology in Fam Life Ed Available online

This course provides the student with a conceptual framework for programming family life education.  Students will apply the methodology of adult learning to the broad principles of family life education.  Attention is directed at developing the ability to plan, implement and evaluate family life education programming.  Through the lens of reflective practice, an emphasis is placed on educational methodology and leadership.  In addition, the student explores networking with community agencies adn the resources and challenges of technology in delivering family life education.

FAS-447 Growth & Dev in Children Available online

This course will familiarize the student with child adn adolescent developmental theories.  Attention will focus on teh physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual and spiritual development of the child and adolescent.  Application of developmental concepts to family life education will be emphasized.  The course will emphasize the child's position in the family life cycle.

FAS-448 Development in Adulthood Available online

This course familiarizes the student with adult developmental and gerontological theory.  Attention will focus on the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual and spiritual development of the adult.  Developmental concepts across the life span related to family life education will emphasized.

FAS-451 Family Comm & Relationships Available online

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-453 Intimate Relationships Available online

This course examines the intimacy of human sexuality and relationships.  Specific attention will focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual involvement, sexual values and decision-making, the physiological and psychological components of the sexual response, and the influence of sexual involvment on interpersonal relationships.

FAS-490 Portfolio and Synthesis Available online

This final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the program.  Through guest speakers, research study and reflection on practice, students will synthesize all they have learned.  Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience.

  1. Apply Online or Printable Application (PDF)

  2. A non-refundable application fee of $30, payable to Concordia University by check, money order or pay online

  3. Final and official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
    * If you have attended a MNSCU college or university we also ask that you provide an official accompanying DARS or MnTC goal area worksheet.  Concordia accepts completed goal areas.

  4. Statement of Goals - Write a brief statement covering your employment history and long-term academic and professional goals

Technology Requirements
Students enrolling in an adult undergraduate program must have access to a computer that meets Concordia University's technology requirements. Contact Concordia's Help Desk at helpdesk@csp.edu or 651-641-8866 with any questions regarding these requirements.

Summer 2012 Term

  • Start Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2012
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Tuesday
  • Chat Time: 7:00-7:45 p.m. CST

Fall 2012 Term

  • Start Date: Monday, September 10, 2012
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Monday
  • Chat Time: 6:00-6:45 p.m. CST

Spring 2013 Term

  • Start Date: Monday, January 14, 2013
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Monday
  • Chat Time: 7:00-7:45 p.m. CST


PROGRAM SCHEDULE

TERM 1 FAS200 | FAS440

TERM 2 FAS401 | FAS442

TERM 3 FAS451 | FAS453

TERM 4 FAS446 | FAS447

TERM 5 FAS220 | FAS448

TERM 6 FAS443 | FAS444

TERM 7 FAS490

Online, In-Class or Blended?

Offered Online?
Classes meet entirely online.

Offered In-Class?
Classes meet face-to-face at our St. Paul campus or other off-campus location.

Offered Blended?
Course work is completed through a combination of in-class and online class meetings.

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