Contact

ADDRESS: 283 EML Hall, NDSU Fargo ND 58105

TELEPHONE: (701) 231-8268 Dr.Jim Deal, Head

The Family Science Option in the CDFS major prepares students to design and implement programs that enrich the lives of individuals and families. Family Science graduates work with a variety of individuals or groups including young children, adolescents, adults, families, single parents, the elderly, multi-generational families, or victims of abuse. Professionals may work with people directly (residential case worker, or family support specialist), they may organize services (home health coordinator), or they may provide information to families or other professionals (cooperative extension).

All CDFS majors are required to take
CDFS 135, CDFS 403, CDFS 485 OR CDFS 491, CDFS 496

In addition, family science majors must take CDFS 230, CDFS 353, CDFS 357, two family science courses, two human development courses, and two family economics courses. Consult an advisor and a curriculum guide for information on specific courses included in each of these categories.

 

MINOR OPTIONS

• Although a minor is not required, students interested in pursuing careers in financial services or consumer advocacy are encouraged to pursue a business administration minor.
• A minor in psychology is helpful to better understand individual behavior.
• A minor in sociology is useful to better understand the interaction of the family system with larger
• social systems.
• A wellness minor is important for a holistic understanding of ways to improve all aspects of well-being.
• Students who desire an understanding of gender issues will benefit from taking the women's studies minor.
• A gerontology minor prepares students to work with aging individuals and their families on issues such as retirement, long-term care, and estate planning.
• A communications minor is appropriate for students desiring to develop written or visual materials and do presentations focused on family issues.

Students should consult with a departmental advisor to develop a plan of study to include the minor(s) he or she is interested in. Students will need to pick up the guidelines on course requirements for a given minor from that department. For example, a handout listing the requirements for a business administration minor is available from the business department.

 

GRADUATE WORK

With additional education, students can pursue careers in family law, marriage and family therapy, counseling, research and program evaluation, public policy assessment, or university faculty positions. Students interested in attending graduate school are encouraged to take the Statistics 330 course.

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POTENTIAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

CDFS majors who pursue the Family Science option may qualify for employment in the following types of programs or positions:

Crisis Prevention and Intervention
Domestic Violence Programs
Crisis Hotline Coordinator
Residential Services (troubled adolescents, group homes)
Probation Officer/Correctional Officer
Caseworker (homeless or domestic violence shelter)
Rape & Abuse Crisis Center
Victim Advocacy Services

General Family Services
Activity Therapist
Military Base Family Service Center
Adoption or Foster Care Home Evaluations
Family Service Specialist (Catholic Family Service Center, Lutheran Social Services, The Village Family Service Center, YWCA, etc.)

Nonprofit or Volunteer Sector
Coordinator, Volunteer Bank
Boy or Girl Scout Program Administrator
Big Brother/Big Sister Program

Health Services
Pregnancy Crisis Centers or Planned Parenthood
Hospice Coordinator
Case Worker - Mental Health & Chemical Dependency Services
Adolescent Tracking or Mental Health Services

Education
Cooperative Extension - Family Life or 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
Parent Educator

Government
Benefits Specialist (Supplemental Security Income Program)

Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE): The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) certifies family life educators with course work and/or experience in family life education. Some of the advantages of this certification include increased credibility and networking with other family life educators nationally and locally. Applicants for certification must provide documentation of academic preparation, professional development, or work experience in the following ten substance areas:

• Families in society
• Internal dynamics of families
• Human growth and development
• Human sexuality
• Interpersonal relationships
• Family resource management
• Parent education and guidance
• Family law and public policy
• Ethics
• Family life education and methodology

CFLE application packets are available at a cost of $5.00 from:

National Council on Family Relations
3989 Central Ave. N.E., Suite 550
Minneapolis, MN 55421

(phone)- 612-781-9331
(fax) - 612-781-9348
e-mail - ncfr3989@ad.com

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Salary

Starting salaries range from approximately $14,000 - $24,000 a year for individuals with a bachelors degree.

 

 

E-Mail: webmaster                   
Child Development and Family Science
College of Human Development and Education
Published by North Dakota State University
Phone: (701) 231-8268

Last updated December 2006