College of Education and Human Development

Family Social Science

Unlock your potential

    Our graduate programs will empower you.

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Mentors and guides

Our faculty are genuinely invested in your success.

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Achieve your dreams

An undergraduate degree in family social science will prepare you for a rewarding career.

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How can you support transgender youth?

The Transgender Toolkit has research-informed resources.

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Update your skills with an Ambiguous Loss certificate

Groundbreaking therapist, Pauline Boss, PhD, leads this online program.

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Student resources

It is our goal to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports your academic and personal success.

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Academics

Investigate the most critical issues facing families today and be part of shaping a better tomorrow.

Find Your Program

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Faculty research

At the forefront of family research, we explore new horizons with state-of-the-art methodologies and approaches.

Discover Our Work

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Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion across FSoS academic programs, research and outreach, and  clinical practice.

View Our Commitment

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Your generous support helps us retain, and support, the very best scholars and students.

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People

Our faculty are mentors, renowned researchers, and committed teachers who are focused on student success. 

Meet the Faculty

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Quote from Kaylina Smith '23, undergrad alumna

It is a department full of generous educators. Every day that I work with my families, I am able to apply the knowledge that I learned from the amazing faculty and staff within the department.

Kaylina Smith '23, undergrad alumna Family Advocate, Lutheran Social Services

Quote from Christopher Mehus, '15 PhD, LMFT

Christopher Mehus
I am grateful for the experience, education, and support I received during my PhD program, which provided a solid foundation for a research career.
Christopher Mehus, '15 PhD, LMFT

Recent articles

FSOS graduate student awarded NCFR dissertation award FSOS graduate student awarded NCFR dissertation award

Doneila McIntosh, doctoral candidate, has been awarded the John L. and Harriette P. McAdoo Dissertation Award from the National Council on Family Relations' Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Families section.

a graduate student

FSOS Parent and Family Ed programs win state grant FSOS Parent and Family Ed programs win state grant

The Minnesota Department of Higher Education awarded a Early Childhood and Family Education Teacher Shortage Grant to the Family Social Science Parent and Early Childhood Education Teacher Shortage Scholarship program.

Parent and Family Education team

OPINION: Time to reduce the rancor, Minnesota OPINION: Time to reduce the rancor, Minnesota

Bill Doherty, professor emeritus in Family Social Science, and Jeffrey Thiemann, a retired pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, co-wrote this op/ed that appeared in the July 28 edition of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Capstone Borine Awards Spring 2024 Capstone Borine Awards Spring 2024

Two students carrying minors in Family Social Science are among those who were recognized for outstanding senior research projects with Sharon Borine Top Capstone Awards from the College of Liberal Arts.

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Even legends have to retire Even legends have to retire

After a long and storied career in academia, William Doherty will retire at the end of this academic year.

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