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Program Overview
The Family Studies major offers a foundational training and equipping for service to children, families, and individuals. Students will study the theories, contexts, and conceptual frameworks used to understand the dynamics of family interaction and involvement that maintains and strengthens home and family as the fundamental unit of society. Particular emphasis is given to the dynamics of power, decision-making, and communication as family service professionals directly serve individuals and families, as well as advocate on behalf of families and serve communities who have opportunity to support and empower families.
Upon completion of a degree in Family Studies, students can apply for Certified Family Life Educator status from the National Council on Family Relations.
Graduates often pursue careers in both public and private arenas, community and government agencies, school systems, or nonprofit organizations. This major also prepares students for graduate training in mental health and social service fields, including the Graduate Counseling Program at Johnson University. With appropriate graduate education, potential career options include: Marriage and Family Therapy, Sex Therapy, social work, family research and/or college instruction.
This degree also prepares students for graduate training in mental health and social service fields, including the graduate counseling program at Johnson University.
All four-year Johnson students complete two majors: one in Bible and Theology and one in their chosen field, such as Family Studies. Transfer students with substantial prior coursework may complete a reduced set of Bible and Theology requirements instead of the major. Learn more about the Bible and Theology curriculum here.


Meet Alyssa
Alyssa is a Family Studies major who found renewed purpose and community after transferring to Johnson. Through student leadership, mentoring, and ministry opportunities, Alyssa has been preparing to serve children and college students through the local church.

Curriculum
- Internal Family Dynamics
- Human Development
- Holistic Sexuality
- Family & Community Resource Management
- Parent Education & Guidance
- Family Law & Public Policy
- Family Life Education Methodology
- Interpersonal & Family Relationships
- Statistics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Interviewing & Counseling Skills
- Ethics & Professional Practice or Ethics & Professional Issues in Counseling
- Internship Orientation
- Internship
Choose two electives:
- Conflict and Communication
- Survey of Persons with Disabilities
- Race & Religion in American History
- Literature and Theology of Race
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Sport & Exercise Psychology
- Techniques for Inclusion for Diverse Learners
- Characteristics & Needs of the Mildly ad Moderately Disabled
- Managing Challenging Behaviors & Special Education Law
What can you do with a Family Studies degree?
Career Outlook
- Social Work
- Employee Assistance or Food Assistance Programs
- Youth Development Programs
- Foster Care Programs
- Teen Pregnancy Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Training
- Family Ministry
- Chaplaincy
- Crisis & Hotline Services
- Residential Treatment Programs
- Population Studies & Demographic Research
- Education

