Family Studies Specialization
Requirements
Family Studies Specialization
Family Studies is the interdisciplinary study of
what makes families successful. We focus on
understanding the dynamics of families in a
changing society, as well as the impact that
family interaction has on individual
development and success.
The graduate specialization in Family Studies
aims to prepare students to work in Family and
Social Service agencies. The Family Studies
specialization seeks to train students to be
effective leaders in these organizations by
providing training in conflict management,
professional development, and program
administration.
Students in the Family Studies specialization
will be required to complete a Thesis or Multiterm research project under the supervision of
the Family Studies faculty. The project is
designed to enhance the student’s critical
thinking and research skills- and will be in the
content area of the student’s choice. Faculty
will work closely with students in designing and
completing the project.
Students in the Family Studies Specialization
will have multiple opportunities for service
learning through collaborative research projects,
program design, and a supervised internship.
Graduates of the Family Studies
specialization will:
Family and Consumer Sciences Core
FS 519
FCSG 502
FCSG 700
FCSG 592
Research Methods in FS
Applied Statistics
Thesis/Project
Family Studies Practicum
4
4
4-6
12
Required Courses
FS 532
FS 542
Family Interaction
Conflict Management
4
3
14
4
4
4
4
Approved Electives
FS 503
FS 533
FS 534
FS 435
Family Communication
Family Life Education
Family Problems and Mediation
Family Gerontology
Total Credits
45-47
Deficiencies:
Graduate students who enter the program
without prior coursework needed for
preparing them for the graduate degree
will need to take undergraduate courses
as deficiencies, or demonstrate sufficient
knowledge in the area. Deficiency
courses include FS 235, FS 320, FS 433,
and PSYC 454.
1) Develop skills in critical and abstract
thinking, and application of theory to real
life circumstances.
2) Learn to effectively manage conflict in
professional and interpersonal
relationships.
3) Learn the skills needed to apply their
knowledge base appropriately in
professional settings.
4) Learn to apply the scientific process in
evaluating current knowledge- and in
conducting research to generate new
knowledge.
5) Learn to make effective professional
presentations in both research and Family
Life Education settings.
EOE/AA/TITLE IX INSTITUTION
TDD 509-963-2143
MORE INFORMATION
For additional information concerning the Family
Studies concentration, please contact:
Dr. Duane Alan Dowd, CFLE
Family Studies Program Coordinator
Family and Consumer Sciences
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7565
(509)963-2791
dowdd@cwu.edu
Office MI#227
Dr. Sarah Feeney
Family and Consumer Sciences
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7565
(509)963-2292
paulka@cwu.edu
Office MI#327
2012-2013
Graduate Study
in
Family Studies