FAS 200   Intro to Family Life Ed 3 credits

This course is an introduction to the field of family life education. Students will explore primary theoretical principles using the Life Span Family Life Education framework and professional issues influencing the practice of family life education. Emphasizing key content areas, the students will be introduced to: content area definitions and objectives; examples highlighting the integration of theory and practice in family life education; key resources; and future Issues and challenges for family life educators.

FAS 220   Adolescent Development 3 credits

This course examines developmental characteristics of adolescence from a family systems perspective, covering physiological, emotional, cognitive, parent-child, social, vocational, and religious dimensions with application to family life education and ministry. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 400   Family Systems, Structures and Relationships 4 credits

This course is an analysis of the family. It investigates the family as a system of relationships which interacts across the family life cycle. It includes a survey of current developments in the study of the family and an analysis of changes in American society and their influence on family life. Also included is a focus on marriage and family therapy from a systems framework. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 440   Overview of Contemporary Families 3 credits

This overview course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of families and their relationships to other institutions and an introduction to the family as a dynamic system. Specific attention will be given to family forms and composition; ethnicity and cultural variations; dating, courtship, and marital choice; gender roles; demographic trends among families; institutional effects on families and vice versa; and family structures and functions. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 200)

FAS 442   Family Decision-Making and Resource Management 3 credits

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the decisions individuals make about developing and allocating resources to meet their goals. The focus of the course is on internal dynamics of family decision-making processes and on the goal-directed behaviors of families in improving their quality of life. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200; Concurrent with FAS 498)

FAS 443   Parent Education 3 credits

This course explores how parents teach, guide, and influence their children and adolescents. The course will emphasize parenting as a process, a responsibility and a role that changes across the life span. Variations in parenting practices will be discussed in the context of building on strengths, empowering parents, and remaining sensitive to individual and community needs. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 444   Family Law, Public Policy, and Applied Ethics 3 credits

This course explores historical development of laws and public policy affecting families. Ethics and ethical implications of social change will be explored. Students will understand the legal definition of the family and laws that affect the status of the family. The course will focus on the role of the family life educator as an advocate for the well-being of the family. The formation of social values, respect for the diversity of values, and the social consequences of value choices are discussed within a family life education framework. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200; concurrent with FAS 498)

FAS 446   Methodology in Fam Life Ed 3 credits

This course provides the student with a conceptual framework for programming family life education. Students will apply the methodology of adult learning to the broad principles of family life education. Attention is directed at developing the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate family life education programming. Through the lens of reflective practice, an emphasis is placed on educational methodology and leadership. In addition, networking with community agencies and the resources and challenges of technology in delivering family life education is explored. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 447   Growth & Dev in Children 3 credits

This course will familiarize the student with child and adolescent developmental theories. Attention will focus on the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual, and spiritual development of the child and adolescent. Application of developmental concepts to family life education will be emphasized. The course will emphasize the child's position in the family life cycle. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200; concurrent with FAS 498)

FAS 448   Development in Adulthood 3 credits

This course familiarizes the student with adult developmental and gerontological theory. Attention will focus on the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual, and spiritual development of the adult. Developmental concepts across the life span related to family life education will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 451   Family Comm & Relationships 3 credits

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. An emphasis will be placed on the physiological, psychological, social, and sexual development of relationships across the life span. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 453   Intimate Relationships 3 credits

This course examines the intimacy of human sexuality and relationships. Specific attention will focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual involvement, sexual values and decision-making, the physiological and psychological components of the sexual response, and the influence of sexual involvement on interpersonal relationships. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in FAS 200)

FAS 480   Parent Coaching 1: From Theory to Practice 3 credits

Students will study a variety of techniques that are unique in coaching parents. Attention will be directed at developing the student’s ability to evaluate and implement family life education knowledge while understanding the uniqueness of each individual family. It is bringing the student from theory to creating a solid and professional foundation for Parent Coaching.

FAS 481   Parent Coaching 2: Building Skills, Attitudes, and Competency 3 credits

Students will broaden their knowledge of the field of parent coaching and sharpen their mindful parenting skills. It includes skills for coaching a variety of parenting challenges, behaviors, problems, concerns, issues, and special needs. Also included is a focus on couple relationships and recognizing spiritual needs. (Prerequisite: FAS 480)

FAS 482   Parent Coaching 3: Professional Applications 3 credits

Students will apply the techniques and skills that they have learned with actual clients. The professors and cohort members will offer ideas and support to better their coaching sessions. The class contains details for your Parenting Consultant Business as well as gaining Parent Coaching skills. As a result of this class, you will feel like a confident Parent Coach. (Prerequisite: FAS 481)

FAS 483   Parent Coaching 4: Supervised Field Parent Coaching 3 credits

There is a required Fourth Class in the Parent Coaching certificate which offers supervision from a certified parent coach. This includes new tools, support, new perspectives, problem solving while being sensitive to the new coach’s learning and coaching style. It opens up a new area of confidence for the coach. This class will be available when the student begins their coaching. (Prerequisite: FAS 482)

FAS 488   Independent Study 1-4 credits

FAS 490   Capstone: CFLE 3 credits

The final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the program. Through guest speakers, research study and reflection on practice, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 444)

FAS 491   Capstone: Non-CFLE 3 credits

This final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the BA program. Through discussion questions and review of past coursework, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience. This is the capstone course for students who have selected the Non-CFLE track.

FAS 498   Family Science Fieldwork/Internship 1-12 credits

The internship provides the student with an in-depth field experience in a work setting that provides family life education services. The student learns to apply family life education theories and principles.

FAS 499   Senior Outcomes 0 credits

FAS 504   Systemic Dynamics of Families 3 credits

This course is designed to provide an understanding of family strengths and weaknesses in light of internal dynamics of the family. Students will explore the family as a system of relationships extending across the family life cycle. The course includes a survey of current developments in the study of family and analysis of changes in American society and their influences on family life. Emphasis is placed on using family systems processes to examine and understand the internal dynamics of the family that lead to effective family life education program planning, implementation, and assessment.

FAS 506   Families In Society 3 credits

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the history, evolution and demographics of the family. Kinship, family structures, functions and roles are explored. Particular emphasis will be placed on the family's relationship to other systems and institutions in the society.

FAS 507   Seminar in Family Science 3 credits

This seminar is an advanced exploration of the field of family science and family life education. (Pre-requisite: Year 3 of the Family Science 3+2 program)

FAS 510   Capstone: CFLE 3 credits

This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning. In addition, the student will present and discuss the final MA Capstone eFolio.

FAS 511   Capstone: Non-CFLE 3 credits

This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning. In addition, the student will present and discuss the final MA Capstone eFolio. This is the capstone course for students who have selected the Non-CFLE track.

FAS 525   Public Policy and Applied Ethics 3 credits

This course explores historical development of laws and public policy affecting families. Ethics and ethical implications of social change will be explored. Students will understand the legal definition of the family and laws that affect the status of the family. The course will focus on the role of the family life educator as an advocate for the well-being of the family. The formation of social values, respect for the diversity of values, and the social consequences of value choices are discussed within a family life education framework.

FAS 530   Family Communication and Relationships 3 credits

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. An emphasis will be placed on the physiological, psychological, social, and sexual development of relationships across the life span.

FAS 532   Navigating the Oceans of Data and Information in Family Life Education 3 credits

The course is designed to introduce the scope and function of information and the research process in family studies. The course will introduce students to types and fundamental concepts and process in the research literature. Problem solving is viewed as one of the primary functions of the research literature information, leading to strategies and action for solutions and change. Students will gain experience developing a framework for consuming the research literature and information in family studies.

FAS 534   Reflexive Assessment and Evaluation in Family Life Education 3 credits

This course reviews the connection between research methods and the research question or problem. Students will explore the role of assessment and evaluation in early childhood education. Various forms of assessment will be considered with an emphasis on the recursive nature of assessment. Students will experience the process of establishing strategy for a program in early childhood education.

FAS 540   Family Decision Making 3 credits

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the decisions individuals make about developing and allocating resources to meet their goals. The focus of the course is on internal dynamics of family decision-making processes and on the goal-directed behaviors of families in improving their quality of life. Topics include: decision-making, valuing, planning, communication, and organization skills for resource use.

FAS 551   Seminar in Human Growth 3 credits

This course includes a study of human growth and development throughout the life cycle. Consideration of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual, spiritual and personality development is included.

FAS 560   Intimate Relationships 3 credits

The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the emotional and psychological aspects of intimate relationships. Topics include: dating and courtship; love and romance; and sexual behavior, values and decision-making. An emphasis will be on sexuality and intimacy in interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.

FAS 570   Parent Education 3 credits

This course explores how parents teach, guide, and influence their children and adolescents. The course will emphasize parenting as a process, a responsibility, and a role that changes across the life span. Variations in parenting practices will be discussed in the context of building on strengths; empowering parents, and remaining sensitive to individual and community needs.

FAS 576   Methods in Programming 3 credits

This course provides a pedagogical framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation of programming for parent and family education.