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Family Life Education

About Family Life Education more

The Concordia University, St. Paul Master of Arts in Family Life Education program is conveniently offered in the online format.

The primary objective of this 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.

The primary objective of this 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.

This program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) and graduates will earn the designation of Certified Family Life Educator.

Faculty & Leadership

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

ED-510 Seminar C Available online

This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
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FAS-504 Systemic Dynamics Available online

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
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FAS-506 Families In Society Available online

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.
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FAS-525 Public Policy/Applied Ethics 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
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FAS-530 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.
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FAS-532 Navigating Oceans of Data Available online

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
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FAS-534 Reflexive Assessment & Eval Available online

This course reviews the connection between research methods and the research question or problem. Students will explore the role of assessment and evaluation in early childhood education. Various forms of assessment will be considered with an emphasis on the recursive nature of assessment. Students will experience the process of establishing strategy for a program in early childhood education.
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FAS-540 Family Decision Making 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. Topics include: decision-making, valuing, planning, communication, and organization skills for resource use.
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FAS-551 Seminar in Human Growth Available online

This course includes a study of human growth and development throughout the life cycle.  Consideration of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual, spiritual and personality development is included.
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FAS-560 Intimate Relationships Available online

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.
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FAS-570 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 the context of building on strengths; empowering parents, and remaining sensitive to individual and community needs.
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FAS-576 Methods in Programming Available online

This course provides a pedagogical framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation of programming for parent and family education.
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  1. Apply Online or Printable Application (PDF)

  2. $50 Application Fee (non-refundable) payable to Concordia University by check, money order or pay online

  3. Official College Transcripts from the regionally accredited college/university issuing undergraduate degree

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

  5. Resume

Technology Requirements
Students enrolling in a graduate 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.

Fall 2012 Term

  • Start Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Wednesday
  • Chat Time: 6:00-6:45 p.m. CST

Spring 2013 Term

  • Start Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2013
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Wednesday
  • Chat Time: 7:00-7:45 p.m. CST


PROGRAM SCHEDULE

TERM 1 FAS506 | FAS532

TERM 2 FAS540 | FAS504

TERM 3 FAS530 | FAS560

TERM 4 FAS551 | FAS570

TERM 5 FAS525 | FAS534

TERM 6 FAS576 | ED510

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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