Family Studies and Human Development is about improving lives! A BS Degree in Family Studies and Human Development (FSHD) will prepare you for professions that improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages, including couples and families. Course topics Include:
Human Development Across the Lifespan
Physical, social, cultural, sexual, and relationship development
Infancy, childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, adulthood and older adulthood
Identity, cultural, and social issues
Experiences of marginalized individuals (social justice issues including LGBTQIA, racial, immigrant, and other topics)
Family Dynamics
Couples & romantic relationships
Family relationships (parenting, family, caregiving, etc.)
Family processes (conflict, stress, intimacy)
Specialized Topics
Counseling skills & theories
Mental illness & problems in families
Mentored research experience with faculty
Professional development in the helping professions
FSHD Course Sampler
FSHD 117: Lifespan Human Development – Learn about aspects of development including biological, social, cultural, personal, and familial factors and how those things influence people from birth throughout different stages of life
FSHD 257: Dynamics of Family Relationships – Build understanding of modern family life including marriage, parenting, family crises, family stress management, being single, gender, work/family balance, and more
FSHD 323: Infancy & Child Development – Growth, development, and socialization of the child within the family setting, from conception to the middle school years. Observe preschoolers and children playing/learning in lab settings.
FSHD 413: Issues in Aging – Examination of biological, social, familial, personal, and other factors related to aging in modern society: retirement, grandparenting, parent relationships with adult children, caregiving for aging family members, dementia, other health concerns, and more.
FSHD 401: Basic Skills in Counseling – Learn basic skills and concepts relevant to counseling and other helping professions, including empathy, validation, effective questions, initiating difficult conversations, professional boundaries, self-care, ethical codes of conduct, and more
