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.

Dr. Joshua Fish, faculty member at Johnson University Tennessee
Program Director
Dr. Josh Fish
Program Director
865-251-2309
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Spotlight

Student Spotlight

Meet Alyssa

Alyssa is a Family Studies major at Johnson University. After starting college at the University of Kentucky, she transferred to Johnson University seeking renewed purpose. From her first campus tour, she felt genuinely loved and confident she had found a community that would support both her faith and calling.

As a Family Studies major, Alyssa actively serves on Recruitment Teams, leads a mentor group, works as a campus tour guide, and assists the campus minister as a teaching assistant. Supported by the Southeast Christian Church Scholarship, she has grown academically and spiritually while preparing for a future in church ministry.

Alyssa plans to pursue a church residency, complete a master’s degree, and serve in college or children’s ministry.

Alyssa Jenkins-Family Studies

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