Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies at the University of St. Thomas equips students with knowledge and skills to promote individual and family well-being. Through a blend of research, internships, and real-world experiences, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in fields involving families, such as policy analysis, counseling, healthcare, and education. The curriculum emphasizes a practical and interdisciplinary approach, with a focus on evidence-based practices and contemporary issues facing families.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies at the University of St. Thomas aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to promote individual and family well-being. Students gain an understanding of research findings and evidence-based practices to create effective programs and policies. The program emphasizes a practical and interdisciplinary approach, blending research, internships, and real-world experiences to prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities.
Outline:
The family studies program follows a structured curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in the field. The program is tailored to individual interests and career aspirations through the selection of elective courses. The curriculum includes the following components:
- Foundations: FAST 200 – Foundations of Family Study lays the groundwork for the program, introducing students to the core concepts and theories of family studies.
- Core Courses: Core courses delve deeper into family dynamics, relationships, and well-being, exploring topics such as marriage and family therapy, human development across the lifespan, and social policy and family.
- Electives: Students select elective courses based on their interests and career goals. The university offers various electives in areas such as family counseling, child development, gerontology, and social justice.
- Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world settings. Internships are available in diverse organizations focused on families, including healthcare, education, social services, and policy advocacy.
- Research: Students have opportunities to engage in research under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Research projects contribute to the advancement of family studies and provide valuable experience in data collection, analysis, and presentation.
- Capstone Course: The culminating capstone course integrates the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. Students work on projects that address contemporary issues facing families in complex and globalized societies.
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the course and instructors may employ a combination of techniques to evaluate student learning, such as:
- Exams: Traditional exams test students' knowledge and comprehension of course material through multiple-choice questions, short answers, or essays.
- Research Papers: Research papers require students to conduct in-depth research on specific family-related topics, demonstrating their analytical and writing abilities.
- Projects: Course projects provide hands-on opportunities for students to demonstrate their practical skills and problem-solving abilities by developing programs, interventions, or policies related to family issues.
- Class Participation and Quizzes: Class participation and quizzes encourage active engagement in discussions, allowing instructors to assess students' understanding of concepts and their ability to contribute to class discourse.
Teaching:
The family studies program benefits from the expertise of a world-renowned faculty of researchers, practitioners, and counselors. The faculty members bring their research interests and professional experiences into the classroom, providing students with diverse perspectives on the field. Teaching methods vary from traditional lectures to interactive discussions, workshops, and simulation activities. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with simulations and case studies used to provide practical applications of family theories.
Careers:
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies from St. Thomas are prepared for various career opportunities in fields that directly or indirectly involve families, including:
- Policy Analyst: Develop and implement social policies and programs related to family well-being.
- Family Court Mediator: Facilitate and resolve disputes between family members in legal settings.
- Mental Health Counselor: Provide counseling and support services to individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges.
- Medical Family Therapist: Work with families in healthcare settings, addressing the psychological and social aspects of illness and recovery.
- Early Childhood Educator: Nurture the development and well-being of young children in educational settings.
- Healthcare and Family Wellness Specialist: Promote healthy lifestyles and improve the well-being of families in community-based organizations.
