COURSE CURRICULUM

The Family Studies program at Southeast Missouri State University is designed to help students understand how individuals and families develop, function, and interact across the lifespan. It blends theoretical knowledge, research-based learning, and applied practice to prepare students for careers in human services, family education, counseling-related support roles, and community-based organizations.The curriculum begins with core courses that introduce key concepts in relationships, child development, family theories, and human development stages such as childhood and emerging adulthood. Students also explore how culture, ethnicity, and social factors influence family dynamics and child development. Professional preparation is strengthened through courses in ethics, trauma-informed practice, and family resource management, ensuring students understand responsible and effective service delivery.The program then builds advanced understanding through the Family Studies option, where students study adult development and aging, resilience across the lifespan, gender roles, family policy and advocacy, and social perspectives on sexuality. Courses in family life education and commitment relationships help students understand how families form, change, and function in modern society. A senior seminar brings together all areas of learning and helps students reflect on their academic and professional growth.A key requirement is the Family Service Internship, which serves as the capstone experience. During this internship, students work in real-world settings where they apply their knowledge in family-focused agencies, gaining practical experience in service delivery, program support, and client interaction.Students also have the option to complete a pre-counseling track, which can serve as a foundation for graduate study in counseling or related mental health fields. This track includes coursework in psychology, abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and childhood psychopathology, along with foundational family studies courses.Elective options allow further specialization in areas such as gender studies, family relationships, parent-child interaction, and social perspectives on sexuality.Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in social services, family life education, youth programs, community outreach, and nonprofit or government agencies. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and related human service professions.