Picture yourself a leader in Family Social Science
Family Social Science program overview
Are you driven to:
- improve the lives of families?
- understand how culture, community, and government systems affect families and create innovative solutions to improve these systems?
- investigate some of the most pressing challenges facing families and communities with cutting edge research?
An undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree in family social science will prepare you to use research to discover and apply knowledge, build communication skills, and develop as a lifelong learner and effective leader.
Our faculty are mentors, renowned researchers, and committed teachers who are focused on your success.
The Department of Family Social Science is a collaborative and supportive community devoted to family research, theory, therapy, and education. We partner and consult with families, communities, and organizations to address psychological, cultural, social, and economic issues affecting families locally, nationally, and globally.
Undergraduate programs
Bachelor of Science (BS)
If you have a passion for helping people, this multi-disciplinary undergraduate major will develop your counseling skills and prepare you to understand human relationships across the lifespan. Your coursework will include internships, directed research, or fieldwork.
Graduate programs
MA in family social science
A Master's in family social science will prepare you for an advanced degree in family social science or a related field. The department also offers a combined MA/PhD admission if you do not already have a master's degree.
Parent and family education programs
These online programs prepare professionals to support, educate and build community for today’s parents and families as they navigate today’s changing world. Unsure which program is right for you? Learn more about all of our program track options on the parent and family education programs page.
- Master's of education in family education with parent and family education license
- Parent and family education license
- Master's of education in family education
- Parent education certificate
Master's of education in family education with parent and family education license
This program is a graduate-level post-baccalaureate program approved by the State of Minnesota to prepare you for licensure as a teacher in Early Childhood Family Education programs.
Graduate minors and continuing education
Graduate minor in family social science
Graduate-level minors are offered at both the master's and PhD levels. Learn social science methods to deepen your understanding of parents, children, and couples in today's complex family systems. Your coursework will include family theory, research methods, and core family content.