It is the mission of Family Sciences to be a leader in improving the life quality of individuals and families in Kentucky, the region, and the nation through rigorous academic programs, state-of-the-art research, community-driven extension, and engagement opportunities.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, students learn about issues such as parent-child relations, human sexuality, lifespan human development, family conflict and violence, adolescent development, aging, couple and family therapy, managing family resources, personal finance, family economics, family financial counseling, and family processes.

The Department of Family Sciences offers the following:

Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics and Family Financial Counseling

This program empowers students to address consumer and financial issues that impact family economic well-being. Through coursework, hands-on experiences, and internship placements, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of financial literacy, money management, consumer behavior, and financial counseling practices.

Bachelor of Science in Family Sciences

Our classes emphasize the integration of individual development, family development, and family economics and management.  Courses focus on developmental theory, lifespan human development, family system dynamics, family intervention, family economics and management, consumer economics, and management of resources.

Master’s in Family Sciences

Our master’s program offers an integrative approach to learning about improving individual, family, and community well-being through five emphasis areas: adolescent development, aging, couple and family therapy, family finance and economics, and family processes.  The program prepares students for immediate employment and provides an excellent foundation for matriculation into a doctoral program.

Couple and Family Therapy Program

The couple and family therapy emphasis area within our master’s program is designed to educate and train knowledgeable, competent, and ethical practitioners who can treat a broad spectrum of individuals and families

Doctoral Program in Family Sciences

Our doctoral program offers a strong foundation in theory, research methods, statistics, and teaching. Emphasis areas include adolescent development, aging, family finance and economics, and family processes.