FAMILY AND CHILD SCIENCES
(FAMILY AND CHILD SCIENCES and FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION)
College: Human Sciences
Degree: B. S.
Limited Access: NO
Contact: Department of Family and Child Sciences
Address: College of Human Sciences, FSU
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1491
Phone: (850) 644-3217

Description of Major
The Family and Child Sciences program introduces students to applied developmental sciences, with an emphasis on the development process for various age groups in different settings. It provides students with an introduction to working in applied settings, including hospitals, human service agencies, education, and child care settings. The program requires a 12-hour minor or area of concentration in one of a variety of other academic areas which is individually planned and designed to enhance each student’s breadth and/or marketability. With early planning, double majoring or double minoring is a possibility and is encouraged.  The Family Life Education program provides instruction in areas important in providing direct services and education to families.

Prerequisite Coursework:  15 hours
APB XXXX (3) Biology (FSU will accept any biology)
CHD X220 (3) Child Growth and Development
FAD X230 (3) Family Relationships
HUN X201 (3) Science of Nutrition
PSY XXXX (3) Psychology
Students are also expected to complete the following courses before admission into the major (hours apply to the major):
FAD 3220 (3) Individual and Family Life Span Development
FAD 3271 (3) Ecological Contexts for Individual and Family Development

Admission Requirements to Major Program of Studies
Students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with an adjusted GPA of 2.0 on FSU coursework and at least half the required hours in Liberal Studies including required English and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree. A grade of “B-“or higher must be earned in FAD 2230, FAD 3220, FAD 3271, and CHD 2220; students are allowed only two attempts to achieve the required “B-.” Students are classified as “Family and Child Sciences, Prerequisites Incomplete” until these courses are completed.

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system.  Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion.  Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors.   You may view the map for this major at
www.academic-guide.fsu.edu.

Major Program of Studies:  Family and Child Science:  53-54 hours.  Family Life Education:  50-51.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all coursework taken in the department (CHD and FAD prefix).
A.  Majors in both emphases complete the following.  17-18 hours
Family and Child Science prerequisite courses (12 hours)
Each of the following must be completed with a grade of B- or better
CHD 2220 (3) Child Growth and Development
FAD 2230 (3) Family Relationships
FAD 3220 (3) Individual and Family Life Span Development
FAD 3271 (3) Ecological Contexts for Individual and Family Development
Human Sciences Core (5-6 hours)
Select two courses from the following list:
COA 3151 (3) Consumer Competence
COA 4131 (3) Family Financial Analysis
FAD 4455 (3) Family Life Education (may not be used as a core course for students in the Family Life Ed. emphasis)
HEE 3103 (3) Methods of Teaching Family and Consumer Science (may be used to meet Oral Competency requirement)
HEE 4054 (3) Educative Process (may be used to meet Oral Competency requirement)
HME 4221 (3) Resource Management (may not be used as a core course for students in the Family Life Ed. emphasis)
HOE 3050 (2) Developments and Trends in Human Sciences
HUN 1201 (3) The Science of Nutrition
B.  Majors must complete one of the following emphases. 33 or 36 hours
Family and Child Sciences emphasis.  36 hours
All of the following (21 hours)
CHD 3472 (3) Child Guidance
CHD 4537 (3) Parenting
CHD 4615 (3) Public Policy: Child and Family Issues
CHD 4630 (3) Studying Children: Techniques and Issues
FAD 3432 (3) Stress and Resilience in Individuals and Families
FAD 4265 (3) Family Diversity
FAD 4805 (3) Observation and Participation in Applied Dev. Science
Select one of the following courses (3 hours) to be taken concurrently with FAD 4805:
CHD 4225 (3) Contexts for Early Childhood Development
CHD 4250 (3) Contexts for Middle Childhood
CHD 4251 (3) Contexts for Adolescents
Minor or area of concentration (12 hours) Minor/concentration must be approved by the department advisor
Family Life Education emphasis. 33 hours
All of the following (21 hours)
FAD 3432 (3) Stress and Resilience in Individuals and Families
FAD 4265 (3) Family Diversity
FAD 4451 (3) Human Sexuality Education
FAD 4455 (3) Family Life Education
CHD 4537 (3) Parenting
CHD 4615 (3) Public Policy: Child and Family Issues
FAD 4805 (3) Observation and Participation in ADS
Concentration (12 hours)

FAD 4601 (3) Foundations of Counseling
HME 4221 (3) Family Resource Management
Two electives (3,3) selected from the approved list

Other Coursework:  Students are urged to speak with a departmental advisor regarding appropriate electives. Internships are available and encouraged for senior students with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major. 

Computer Skills Competency:  3 hours.  CGS 2060 (3) or CGS 2064 (3).

Oral Communication Competency:  0-3 hours
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly.  This requirement may be met through appropriate high school speech training or with an approved college-level course.

Total Hrs. Required 120
Liberal Studies 36*
Prerequisites 15*
Major Coursework  50 to 54
Computer Skills 3
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total credits to 120
*Prerequisites may also be counted as part of Liberal Studies or the major.

Remarks:
1. 60 hours must be earned at a senior institution.
2. The final 30 hours must be in residence at FSU.
3. A minimum of 40 hours must be earned at the 3000/4000 (junior/senior) level.