Family Life Education Concentration - Master of Arts
Family and Consumer Sciences
College of Education and Human DevelopmentFamily Studies
MA in Family and Consumer Sciences
Family Life Education Concentration (30 hrs.)
Program Requirements: Core Courses (12-21 hrs.)
| FCS 5220 | Topics: Human Sexuality | 3 cr. |
| FCS 5680 | Gender, Culture and Family | 3 cr. |
| FCS 6160 | Consumer Education | 3 cr. |
| FCS 6520 | Family Life Education | 3 cr. |
| FCS 6550 | Adult-Child Relationships | 3 cr. |
| FCS 6560 | Family Law, Ethics and Professional Issues | 3 cr. |
| FCS 6600 | Studies in Family Relationships | 3 cr. |
| Practicum | ||
| FCS 6220 | Practicum (Individualized) | 2-3 cr. |
| Research/Thesis (5-9 hrs.) | ||
| FCS 6010 | Basic Research Methods and Design | 3 cr. |
| Select one of the following | ||
| FCS 7000 | Master's Thesis | 6 cr. |
| FCS 7100 | Independent Research | 2-6 cr. |
| Elective Courses (3-6 hrs.) | ||
| FCS 5350 | Communication Skills for Working With Families Across the Lifespan (highly recommended) | 3 cr. |
Students may choose to specialize in an area by taking additional courses. Suggested areas of specialization include, but are not limited to: gerontology, holistic health, alcohol and drug abuse.
Note: Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in Family Studies/Human Development or a related area may be required to take additional courses to meet requirements for Certification as a Family Life Educator (CFLE). Rev. 05/02
Types of positions where Family Life Educators are qualified to serve:
- Community College or Undergraduate College Instructor
- Parent Involvement Specialists or Family Service Field Associates for Head Start or Evenstart Programs
- Youth and Family Agents for County Extension
- Juvenile Court Workers
- Directors of Local Social Service Agencies
- Program Directors in Churches
- Parent Educators
The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) sponsors the only national program to certify family life educators. The Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) program documents knowledge and competence, verifies professional credibility and enhances the reputation of professionals as family life educators. The Family Life Education Concentration at WMU qualifies students to apply for CFLE credentials.