Major code BS6351

The program prepares you to work with clients at various developmental stages—children, adolescents, adults, or seniors. It includes family and child development classes in the School of Human and Consumer Sciences, as well as courses relating to such issues as single parenthood, child guidance, and aging. Required related courses from other departments include psychology, sociology, and social work. A required junior practicum and quarter of full-time field experience in human services provide practical experience and the opportunity to take theory into practice.

If you choose to add the optional undergraduate Gerontology Certificate to your degree, you’ll also gain in-depth knowledge and skills for careers that involve working with older adults.

Ohio University will soon have a child life concentration within family studies that will prepare students to become Certified Child Life Specialists (CLS). The first stage of this plan is already in place; the addition of three new child life courses: HCCF 298, Introduction to Child Life (Fall); HCCF 476, Children and Families in Health Care Settings (Spring); and HCCF 477, Professional Practices in Child Life (Spring). Please be aware this is an extremely competitive field, and you need to be willing to take some extra steps in order to be competitive for an internship. This includes maintaining a high GPA and gaining volunteer and practicum experience with a CLS in a hospital setting. It is highly recommended that you also take the following two classes: HLTH 230, Medical Terminology and HSLS 385, Sign Language I. For more information on the CLS concentration, contact: Dr. Jenny Chabot, School of Human and Consumer Sciences, 740-593-2871, for further information or check the family studies Web site www.ohio.edu/humanandconsumer/.

Family studies graduates find employment in family services, children’s services, adolescent group homes, rehabilitation centers, community programs for the developmental disabled, senior citizen centers, family planning centers, mental health agencies, and probation services.