Family Science (B.S.)

57 hours

The B.S. degree in Family Science is a pre-professional degree that emphasizes preparation for graduate school. Students who wish to pursue advanced degrees, either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree, are encouraged to pursue this degree rather than the B.S. degree in Family Science/Human Development. With the growth of marriage and family graduate school programs, and the increasing influence of systems theory in psychology, the need to prepare students for study as marriage and family counselors is increasing.

An OC graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Science will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic nature of the family and of the conceptual framework on which current family relations theories are based.
2. Exhibit professional development in the research field by presenting an experimental research project at a state level conference.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of various cultures and family structure types in our society.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of career opportunities applicable to Family Science majors on the bachelor and graduate degree levels.
5. Have GRE scores adequate for admission to most regional universities.
6. Gain admission to a graduate school commensurate with GPA and GRE scores.
7. Demonstrate spiritual development and service to church.
8. Develop an international perspective that encourages appreciation of individual differences.

Students must complete a minimum of 122 hours including the major, core, and minor if required. Elective hours may be needed to reach 122 hours.

24 HOURS FAMILY SCIENCE

• FMST-1113 Introduction to Family Science
• FMST-2423 Parent-Child Relations
• FMST-3523 Human Sexuality
• FMST-3933 Cybernetics and Systems Theory
• FMST-4123 Divorce and Stepfamily Relationships
• FMST-4323 Introduction to Marital and Family Therapy
• FMST-4653 Research Seminar (must be passed with a grade of “C” or better)
• FMST-4713 Family Science Practicum

3 HOURS CHOSEN FROM

• FMST-3723 Gerontology
• PSYC-2523 Developmental Psychology

3 HOURS CHOSEN FROM

• FMST-3613 Adolescence and Early Adulthood
• FMST-3913 Family Development

6 HOURS FAMILY SCIENCE ELECTIVES

15 HOURS PSYCHOLOGY

• PSYC-1113 General Psychology I
• PSYC-3113 Introductory Psychological Statistics
• PSYC-3213 Advanced Psychological Statistics
• PSYC-3313 Abnormal Psychology
• PSYC-4623 Experimental Psychology

6 PSYCHOLOGY ELECTIVES

Students are required to take the ETS Field Test in Psychology twice during their time in this program. The first administration is in PSYC-1211 and the second administration is in the final semester prior to graduation.

Note: As of February 2022, the cost of the ETS Field Test in Psychology was $25 per administration.