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Pave the way for a better society: You'll do that here.

Earning your bachelor’s in family studies prepares you to take on positions that help families at all stages of life. You’ll integrate theory, research, and practice to serve families in a variety of fields. 

Southeast’s family studies program is an accredited Certified Family Life Educator program. The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) oversees our program, which includes coursework that follows the standards and criteria needed for students to become Provisional Certified Family Life Educators. 

What You'll Do   

Family studies majors will develop skills in assessing, creating, and implementing interventions to improve family interactions. More specifically, you’ll have the opportunity to: 

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of family structures, dynamics, and interactions, along with developmental issues across the lifespan. 
  • Continue working, secure an internship, or balance life’s other responsibilities by taking online courses. 
  • Gain real-world experience through placement in agencies and programs serving young children and parents, pregnant teens, senior adults, low-income families, and the community. 

What Can You Do with a Family Studies Degree?

The Family Studies program prepares students for a variety of positions that focus on families or family members at all stages of the life continuum in social service, government, and education. 

With real-world experience built into the curriculum, you’ll graduate ready to start your career, or take the next step in your education towards a graduate degree. 

Career Opportunities 

  • Advocacy agent 
  • Geriatric specialist 
  • Senior center director 
  • Victim assistance worker 
  • Caseworker 

Online: Family Studies Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Outcomes & Careers 

  • $77k

    Social and Community Service Manager

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a social and community service manager is $77,030.


  • $58k

    Marriage and Relationship Therapist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a marriage and relationship therapist is $58,510.  

     


Family Studies Curriculum

Degree Map

The family studies degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. A minor is required. “Critical Courses” are italicized and bolded. Data shows that students who have completed this course in the first two years and have earned the noted grade are most likely to complete this program of study.

  • CF102 Relationships in the 21st Century (3) 
  • CF120 The Child (3) 
  • CF206 Introduction to Gerontology (3) 
  • CF207 Gerontology Practicum I (3) 
  • CF209 Introduction to Family Theories (3) 
  • CF213 Family and Community Resources (3) 
  • CF220 Emerging Adulthood (3) 
  • CF340 Family Policy Law & Advocacy (3) 
  • CF360 Family Life Education (3)  
  • CF402 Relationships of Commitment (3)  
  • CF405 Family Life Education Practicum (3)  
  • CF410 Culture, Ethnicity and the Child (3) 
  • CF430 Parent-Child Interactions (3)  
  • CF445 Social Perspectives of Sexuality (3)
  • CF485 Family Studies Senior Seminar (3)  
  • CF520 Professional Ethics and Practice (3) 
  • CF565 Family Services Internship (3)  
  • ED535 The Trauma Informed Professional (3) 
  • FE200 Family Resource Management (3) 

Choose 3 hours:  

  • CF303 The Female Experience (3)  
  • UI455 Understanding Men/Male Development (3) 

  • Child Development  
  • Childhood Trauma and Outcomes  
  • Criminal Justice  
  • Psychology  
  • Social Work  
  • Sociology 

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in a major program. 

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours 
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours 
  • Written Communication – 6 hours 
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours 
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab) 
  • Mathematics – 3 hours 
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines) 
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students) 
  • Civics examination 

Fall  

  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours) 
  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours) 
  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours) 
  • 1st 8 Week: Aug. - Oct. (3 hours) 
  • 2nd 8 Week: Oct. - Dec. (3 hours) 
  • Total: 15 hours 

Spring   

  • Wintersession: Dec. - Jan. (3 hours) 
  • Full Term: Jan. - May. (3 hours) 
  • Full Term: Jan. - May. (3 hours) 
  • 1st 8 Week: Jan. - Mar. (3 hours) 
  • 2nd 8 Week: Mar. - May. (3 hours) 
  • Total: 15 hours 

Summer  

  • 1st 4 Week: June (3 hours) 
  • 8 Week: June-July (3 hours) 
  • 2nd 4 Week: July (3 hours) 
  • Total: 9 hours 

Graduates of Southeast Online’s family studies program meet the standards to become a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relation.

Accrediting Body and Accreditation

  • NCFR: Catalyzing Research, Theory and Practice logo
  • Certified Family Life Educator (cfle) logo
  • CFLE Approved Academic Program Logo

College of Education, Health and Human Studies

This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies. The college boasts programs that train students in mind, body, and soul. So, whether you want to teach, to care, to support, or to fix, we have a program to get you there.

Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies

"I decided to teach because I love helping students succeed and showing them that learning is a lifelong process. "

Sarah Kuborn, Ph.D., CFLE

Dr. Sarah Kuborn smiles for a portrait.

Online Learning at Southeast

When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at Southeast takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.

Earn Your Degree on Your Schedule.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

98% of College of Education, Health and Human Studies graduates are employed or enrolled in grad school within a year.

Alumni are employed by

  • Bootheel Counseling Services logo
  • Community Counseling Center logo
  • Saint Francis Healthcare System logo
  • SSM Health logo
Phone
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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