Start your journey
Family social science: Because families matter
Video produced by CEHD Office of Marketing and Communications
FSoS draws from multiple disciplines such as human development, sociology, and psychology. Professors see you as a whole person, are interested in what you have to say, and are committed to your success. Our faculty are renowned researchers, inspiring mentors, and committed teachers who are focused on your success. Learn more about their research on our research page. You'll be prepared for a variety of career paths in a tight-knit supportive department.
Choose from three concentrations: family and community engagement, family financial studies, and family therapy.
A bachelor’s degree in family social science will prepare you to understand how diverse families, couples, and individuals develop throughout their lives, and the impact that social policies and systems have on them. Our undergraduate major and minors integrate well with other programs so you can design a unique path that works for you.
You will build skills to explore scientific findings, translate and apply research, and implement evidence-based practices that enhance the lives of families, couples, and individuals. Our focus on social justice and reducing disparities – racial, financial, and social – will prepare you for a fulfilling career.
Offering small class sizes and individualized attention, the classroom experience will be enhanced with community-based and career-focused experiential learning or internships to apply new knowledge and practice new skills in a supportive real-world environment.
Upon graduating, you will have:
- A broad and nuanced understanding of families and communities and how they function
- The research knowledge and experience to work across diverse family systems
- Writing skills to communicate clearly with diverse audiences
- The capability to analyze ideas, concepts, and data
- 180+ hours of relevant work experience
- A competitive resume for the job market and/or graduate school applications
- The support of faculty and staff who will help you recognize your assets and connect you with communities
If you are a current UMN undergraduate or an incoming first year student and want to declare a major in Family Social Science, visit the University of Minnesota's Admissions page for complete directions, or contact an advisor at cehdinfo@umn.edu or call 612-625-3339.
Interested in transferring to the U of M and into Family Social Science? FSoS is one of the top programs that transfer students choose at the U of M. Get started at the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) Transfer Admissions site (a GPA of 2.80 in college coursework is preferred).
In addition, if you need to know how your credits will transfer, the UMN Office of Admissions has resources for all transfer students. Visit their site.
Are you a current CEHD student who is ready to declare your major? Follow these steps.
Careers
A bachelor's in family social science will prepare you for a career as a program provider, trainer, or researcher in family studies, family community engagement, family therapy, or family financial counseling. Half of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in family science, couple and family therapy, or human development, as well as related programs such as social work, public health, or nursing.
Coursework
Choose from three specializations.
Family and community engagement
This concentration will prepare you to work directly with families, couples, and young people in community-based, advocacy, and policy organizations to access resources and reduce disparities and inequality.
Family financial studies
Family financial studies will prepare you to guide families and individuals in navigating complex financial, economic, and social service systems so they can develop successful strategies to achieve their financial goals and thrive. You also will have the option to pursue the Accredited Financial Counselor credential.
Family therapy
Family therapy will prepare you with foundational content and context for a variety of therapy settings or for graduate studies in therapy programs.
Required courses
Graduating with a bachelor of science (BS) in family social science degree requires the completion of 55-58 credits in the major as well as Liberal Education requirements and electives, totaling 120 University credits. Foundational courses include classes in family theories, psychology, and family research methods, as well as coursework in understanding family systems and diversity, and how technology affects parenting and family relationships. The program capstone is a research or field study four-credit course – or a combination of both – to launch your career or prepare you for graduate school.
View all program requirements in the University catalog. We also encourage you to check out the FSoS planning guide and sample plans to get an idea of what a degree in FSoS could look like. To register for courses, visit the University's One Stop.
International opportunities
You have the option of completing coursework or internship requirements on campus, in the Twin Cities, or during sponsored learning abroad programs, as well as national student exchange programs.
Tuition and funding
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Tuition and Financial Aid page for information on tuition.
CEHD maintains a listing of scholarships and awards for students, and Family Social Science also awards academic scholarships annually.
Financial aid
North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship Program
The NSP Scholarship program is a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for Minnesota residents with a family income under $80,000. Eligible undergraduates at the University of Minnesota will receive full coverage for the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied.
What our alumni say
Quote from Claire Busse '22
I resonated so deeply with this academic pursuit of relationships because I loved studying what makes couples and families healthy, resilient, and unique.
What can you do with a degree in family social science?
The National Council on Family Relations has identified a range of career paths where family social science alumni are found.
Grant Proposal Writing | Academic and Government Research in Family Science | Population Studies and Demographic Research | Community-based Research for Non-profit Family Agencies | Program Evaluation and Assessment
Youth Development Programs | Adoption Agencies | Foster Care Programs | Teen Pregnancy Services | Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Training | Adult Day Care | Gerontology and Long-term Care Programs
University Teaching | Family Life Education | Sexuality Education | Couple and Family Enrichment Programs | Curriculum Development | Community Education
Individual and Family | Therapy Support Services | Crisis and Hotline Services | Divorce Mediation | Abuse Protection Services | Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programs | Residential Treatment Programs
Employee Assistance Programs | Consumer Protection Agencies | Family Financial Counseling and Planning Agencies | Food Assistance Programs | Research Positions
Family Policy Analysis | Child Welfare Advocacy | Cooperative Extension Specialist | Military Family Support Services | Child and Family Services | Parent Coordination | Juvenile Justice
Mental health service organizations | Pre-nursing | Public health programs and services | Holistic health centers | Hospice programs | Disability services | Pre-natal and maternity services
International Family Policy | Peace Corps and NGO Leadership | Global Family Planning Programs | International Human Rights Advocacy | Immigration and Migrant Family Services
Ministry | Marriage and Relationship Programs | Parenting Education | Youth Programs | Budgeting and Money Management