Why a Bachelor of Science with a major in Family Studies & Gerontology? American society is undergoing a major transformation at a rapid rate at both ends of the generational spectrum. Our population is aging and living longer. Our young families are also caught in this sea of change. Consequently, professionals educated in intergenerational studies and lifespan relations will play a pivotal role in the evolving construct of our society.
As working adults, students who enter the Family Studies & Gerontology degree completion program come from many fields. These fields include ministry, health, education, residential care, business, human services, criminal justice, social services, non-profit work and government. Other students want to advance existing professional careers or make career changes.
The one quality they all share is the desire to enhance the meaning of their work and their lives. Some are complementing mid-point careers; others are starting a new or post-retirement career. Others see this program as a springboard for graduate studies.
By completing the Family Studies & Gerontology program, graduates are on their way to personal fulfillment and invaluable contributions to their professional careers and the communities they serve.
The Family Studies and Gerontology (FSG) program is a Bachelor of Science degree and is designed for adults who have already earned 60 or more transferable college hours. The degree completion program has an interdisciplinary major that draws from the fields of family studies, sociology, psychology, and communication. The required coursework is designed to increase the student's understanding of family dynamics and relationships, highlight the processes of development and aging, and acquaint the student with the social service resources available in contemporary society. Classes meet one night a week for 15 months. The FSG program is offered in Bethany and Tulsa.
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Family Studies and Gereontology Courses and Sequence
MODULE 1
PSY 3133
Human Development
This course focuses on early development—conception through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical, psychological and social processes that form the foundation upon which development rests.
MODULE 2
PSY 3412
Personal & Professional Development
This course examines adult learning theory and various learning styles. The course provides a model that is used to analyze life experience.
MODULE 3
SP C 3462
Family Communication
This course examines interpersonal communication and the factors that influence its effectiveness in professional, family, and personal relationships.
MODULE 4
PSY/SOC 4433
Adulthood & Aging
This course provides a study of development from young adulthood through later life. An introduction to the field of gerontology is also given.
MODULE 5
SOC/FCS 4442
Family: Dynamics & Structure
This course studies the origin, development, functions, and problems of the basic social institution of our culture—the family. A systems approach is used to study the relationships and dynamics of family functioning.
MODULE 6
SOC/FCS 4533
Social Service Resources/Practicum
This course examines the social, economic, and legal services that are relevant to the family and later life adults. Special coverage will be given to availability of public and private resources. This course involves work in a community setting.
MODULE 7
STAT 3423
Data Analysis Methods
This course provides a survey and application of the basic data analysis methods used in the process of evaluation, including a study of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
MODULE 8
PSY 3423
Introduction to Counseling
This course combines the relevant principles and techniques of counseling and is designed to develop counseling competency.
MODULE 9
REL 3413
Biblical Perspectives in Western Culture
This course provides study of the Bible as a foundation to an understanding of Western culture and history. The course also explores the Relevance of the Bible to modern day life.
MODULE 10
SOC/FCS 4453
Family: Coping with Crises
This course examines the various crises and transitions which a family can experience throughout its various stages, as well as the dynamics of relationships and coping strategies for times of transition and crisis.
MODULE 11
BADM 4442
Introduction to Management & Administration
This course examines management styles and supervisory principles relevant to the administration of programs for the family and aging individual.
MODULE 12
PSY/HHP/FCS 4522
Assessment and Wellness
This course examines the techniques for assessing the physical, mental, social, and emotional status of the adult in later life. Emphasis will be given to the development of appropriate methods for optimizing the functioning of the aging individual.
MODULE 13
SOC/PSY 3442
Death, Grief & Loss
This course explores the modern concepts of death and loss in contemporary society. The course examines the symptoms of grief and loss, and available coping strategies.
MODULE 14
GS 4423
Personal & Professional: Ethics and Values
This capstone course examines various theories of man and their relevance to personal and social values. The course provides the basis to formulate or clarify a philosophy of life that is consistent with the demands of a responsible lifestyle in the contemporary world.