Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences - Family Life Education Concentration

Western Michigan University

The family life education concentration prepares professionals to provide prevention and intervention services for effective coping with life events and family transitions. Students acquire knowledge and skills to conduct family life education in a variety of settings and work with individuals and families across the life span. Family life educators promote family well-being and resilience primarily through educational approaches.The concentration in family life education requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work planned in consultation with and approved by the graduate student advisor. Although not required, this work can include a thesis. Students complete a minimum of 12 to 21 credit hours of core courses (21 hours are required if certification as a Family Life Educator is desired), two to three credit hours of an individualized practicum experience, five to nine credit hours of research courses and three to six credit hours of approved elective courses. Students are required to take course work in each of the 10 family life content areas and to complete an individualized practicum experience. Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in family studies or a related area may be required to take additional courses to meet requirements for family life educator certification.

College of Education and Human Development