Family Sciences, also known as Human Development and Family Science, is a social science discipline focused on understanding and improving the lives of children, adolescents, and adults. It is unique in its emphasis on the role of interpersonal dynamics and relationships in shaping human development and human experience.
In Family Sciences, courses can be focused on adolescent development, hospitalized children and associated play therapy interventions, human and lifecourse developmental theory, interpersonal relationships, family relationships and dynamics, and family interventions, family economics and management, consumer economics and management of resources.
Careers
With a bachelor’s in Family Sciences, you’ll be prepared to help individuals and families through careers in many local, state, and national settings across public and private sectors. A degree in Family Sciences lays a solid foundation for career paths in education, social services, healthcare, law, therapy, extension, faith-based organizations and more.
Come See for Yourself
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Introduction to the concepts and methods of sociology. Topics shall include socialization; group processes, social inequalities; social institutions; and social change. This course or its equivalent Sociology courses. Students may not receive credit for both this course and CLD 102.
PHI 120
3
PHI 120 - THE ART OF THINKING: AN INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
PHI 120
**UK Core - Quantitative Foundations**
3 credit hours
A course which treats argumentation, syllogistic, and sentential logic. The focus will be on the use of formal methods in the construction and criticism of actual arguments, the aim being to inculcate standards of good reasoning, e.g., clarity, consistency and validity. Credit is not given to students who already have credit for PHI 320.
AFE 100
3
AFE 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT
AFE 100
**UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen**
3 credit hours
How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? How does fast food affect sea life in the Gulf of Mexico? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.
Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the Martin- Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.
Spring Semester
16 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
UK Core - Humanities
3
PSY 100
4
PSY 100 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 100
**UK Core - Social Sciences**
4 credit hours
An introduction to the study of behavior covering theories, methods and findings of research in major areas of psychology. Topics covered will include the biological foundations of behavior; learning, perception, motivation, personality; developmental, abnormal, and social behavior; and methods of assessment. This course is a prerequisite to a significant number of courses in this and related areas of study. Lecture, three hours; laboratory/discussion, two hours.
DHN 101
3
DHN 101 - HUMAN NUTRITION AND WELLNESS
DHN 101
3 credit hours
We all eat and what we eat impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. You will learn general characteristics of macro- and micro-nutrients and how your diet and lifestyle choices impact your health and overall well- being.
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3
Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours
: 30
Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
STA 210
3
STA 210 - MAKING SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY: AN INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL REASONING
STA 210
**UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason**
3 credit hours
The goal of this course is to help students develop or refine their statistical literacy skills. Both the informal activity of human inference arising from statistical constructs, as well as the moral formal perspectives on statistical inference found in confidence intervals and hypothesis tests are studied. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding what distinguishes good and bad inferential reasoning in the practical world around us.
Prereq: Any course in the new Quantitative Foundations area of General Education beginning Spring 2012.
FAM 254
3
FAM 254 - LIFE COURSE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
FAM 254
3 credit hours
Introduction to basic principles of human development through the life course of the individual from conception to death, including common life transitions and social changes that shape people’s lives. Roles of family, school, peers, and work will also be examined in relation to human development. Emphasis will be placed on general theories of human development across the life course.
FAM 253
3
FAM 253 - HUMAN SEXUALITY
FAM 253
3 credit hours
An introductory survey of human sexuality, including gender, love and intimacy, sexual expression and variation, sexual orientation, contraception, pregnancy and birth, sexually transmitted infections, sexual coercion, and sex in society.
Professional Support
3
ECO 201
3
ECO 201 - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS I
ECO 201
3 credit hours
This course will introduce you to the economic way of thinking and provides basic tools of economic theory used to study markets, individual consumer behavior, and the behavior of firms. It employs concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, tradeoffs, marginal thinking, and gains from trade. This course will examine how markets work and how supply and demand interact to determine prices, explore market failure such as externalities, the tragedy of the commons and public goods and the role of the government in market activity. Students will also be introduced to theories of the firm and individual behavior, competition and monopoly, and welfare economics. Students successfully completing this course should leave with an understanding of these basic economic principles and their applicability to real world situations. Students should also be able to incorporate the tools of economic analysis into their own decision-making processes as they weigh costs and benefits to make choices.
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
FAM 251
3
FAM 251 - PERSONAL AND FAMILY FINANCE
FAM 251
3 credit hours
Management of personal and family financial resources throughout the lifespan related to planning, credit, savings, investment, insurance, taxes, housing costs, transportation costs, retirement and estate planning.
COM 252
3
COM 252 - INTRODUCTION TO INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
COM 252
3 credit hours
This course examines basic verbal and nonverbal concepts affecting the communication process between individuals in various interpersonal contexts. Course also requires participation in written, oral, and visual communication activities designed to develop and improve interpersonal skills. Topics may include: perspective- taking, relationship and conversation management, effective listening, conflict management, communication climate, communication anxiety, and cultural/gender differences in interpersonal communication.
FAM 360
3
FAM 360 - INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY INTERVENTION
FAM 360
FAM 357, FAM 360 and FAM 390 will complete the GCCR
3 credit hours
Survey course to introduce students to the various skills, strategies and professional ethical standards used by family scientists in helping relationships. The emphasis will be on learning the skills required to provide support for families and individuals. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II, minimum of 30 credits.
UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
3
FAM 250
3
FAM 250 - DATING AND LONG-TERM ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
FAM 250
3 credit hours
An introductory survey course that addresses individual, interpersonal, and developmental dynamics associated with developing and sustaining long-term romantic relationships. Topics include development of interpersonal attraction, theories of love and relationship development, communication, sexuality, influence of stress on romantic relationships, common problems in romantic relationships (jealousy, loneliness, conflict), power and violence, therapeutic interventions, and issues associated with ending a romantic relationship.
Total Junior Year Credit Hours
: 28 - 30
Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
FAM 252
3
FAM 252 - INTRODUCTION TO RELATIONSHIPS, MARRIAGES, AND FAMILIES
FAM 252
3 credit hours
An introduction to evidence-based perspectives on relationships, marriages, and families. Although emphasis is on using family systems theory to understand relationship processes, multiple theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to examine and take positions on numerous contemporary issues in family science.
FAM 390
3
FAM 390 - INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS
FAM 390
3 credit hours
An introduction to research design, methodology, instrumentation, and data analysis with emphasis on a student’s ability to understand and critique research in the content areas of consumer economics, personal finance, human development, and family relations. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in the FAM and FFC majors, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II, minimum of 30 credits, STA 210 or STA 296 or PSY 216, declared major/minor in FAM or FFC or accepted into the Child Life Undergraduate Certificate program; or consent of instructor.
Professional Support
3
Upper Level Elective
3
UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
Spring Semester
13 - 15 Credit Hours
FAM 473
3
FAM 473 - FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
FAM 473
3 credit hours
Historical development, current programs, and emerging trends in family life education with particular emphases on programs and techniques for teaching sex education, marital relations, parenting and human development.
Prereq: FAM/FFC 360 and declared major or minor in Department of Family Sciences, accepted into the Child Life Undergraduate Certificate program, or consent of instructor.
FAM 354
3
FAM 354 - CONTEMPORARY FAMILY DIVERSITY
FAM 354
3 credit hours
Exploration of the form and function of contemporary families, within the United States and around the world, according to ethnic or sociocultural identity, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, relationship status, and living arrangements.
Professional Support
3
Professional Support
3
Free Elective
1 - 3
Total Senior Year Credit Hours
: 29
Fall Semester
16 Credit Hours
FAM 357
3
FAM 357 - ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
FAM 357
FAM 357, FAM 360 and FAM 390 will complete the GCCR
3 credit hours
An in-depth analysis of adolescent development and adjustments using an ecological, multi-contextual framework. The primary focus is on scholarship and empirical evidence from a number of disciplines that have direct bearing on the study of adolescent development, with a particular interest in applying a cross-cultural/national comparative lens. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II; minimum of 30 credits; or consent of instructor.
FAM 497
1
FAM 497 - PRE-INTERNSHIP IN FAMILY SCIENCES
FAM 497
1 credit hours
Introduction to various skills that research shows are important to employers, including teamwork, communication, leadership, ethical conduct, and professionalism. Practical matters such as resume development and internship placement are also addressed.
Prereq: FAM 251, FAM 252, and FAM 360.
Professional Support
3
Upper Level Elective
3
Upper Level Elective
3
Upper Level Elective
3
Spring Semester
13 Credit Hours
FAM 499 or FAM 500
3
Upper Level Elective
3
Upper Level Elective
3
Professional Support
3
Upper Level Elective
1
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and
personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.
Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
This will allow you to gain a global perspective and enhance future employability. As you take the first step towards investing in your future, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the options UK Education Abroad & Exchanges office suggests to complement your major! #ukyabroad
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Listing required courses for respective professional schools
Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements
Suggesting supplemental coursework
Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students are involved in:
UK American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
for those interested in promoting their own professional development and forming lasting friendships
Students Advocating for Family Efficiency (SAFE)
encourages and supports students in their development as professionals in family sciences
Phi Upsilon Omicron (Phi U)
national honor society, to promote the professional and intellectual development in family sciences professions
