Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Michaelsen 100
(509) 963-2766
Alexandra.Lange@cwu.edu
More Contact Info
![]() | What is Family Science? Family Science is the interdisciplinary study of what makes families successful. We focus on understanding the dynamics of families in a changing society, as well as the impact that family interaction has on individual development and success. Family Science emphasizes a systems perspective in helping families stay together and build strong and happy relationships. |
Family Science Program Requirements
Interested in the Major? Contact Information
Majors with a Family Science Specialization will:
Students enrolled in the program are required to complete a multi-term practicum or internship in an agency suited to their particular professional goals and interests. They may work in a family service agency, a mental health clinic, a program for youth and their families, or any of a variety of programs throughout Washington that serve the needs of couples and families.
Family Science students learn to apply the scientific process to understand current scientific knowledge. Each student will complete a research project which can be presented at the University, Regional, or National level.
Students who complete a specialization in Family Science at CWU qualify to apply for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential through the National Council on Family Relations. CWU has the only CFLE approved Family Science program in Washington State.
FAMILY AND CHILD LIFE CORE | ||
Course # | Title | Credits |
FCL 101 | Skills for Marriage and Intimate Relationships | 4 |
FCL 234 | Contemporary Families | 4 |
FCL 235 | Relationships and Personal Development | 3 |
FCL 320* | Theories of Family Dynamics | 4 |
FCL 336 | Parent Education and Guidance | 4 |
FCL 344 | Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy | 4 |
FCL 405* | Professional Obligations and Responsibilities | 4 |
FCL 419* | Research in Family and Child Life | 4 |
FCL 434 | Diversity and Families | 4 |
FCL 492* | Family and Child Life Practicum | 12 |
FCL 495* | Undergraduate Research | 1 |
FAMILY SCIENCE SPECIALIZATION | ||
FCL 337 | Human Sexuality | 4 |
FCL 433* | Family Life Education | 4 |
FCL 439 | Families and Public Policy | 4 |
FCS 371 | Real World Finance | 3 |
PSY 313 | Developmental Psychology | 4 |
Approved Specialization Electives | 13 | |
Total Credits | 80 |
*For Family and Child Life Majors Only
Family Science Elective Courses:
Family Science Two Year Graduation Plan
To apply for the major, complete the major application form and contact Dr. Amy Claridge to enroll in the major and be assigned an advisor.
Students in the Family Science minor will learn about Family Systems Theory and family dynamics, will develop skills for healthy romantic and familial relationships, and will gain practical skills to work with families. Completing the minor will enhance students’ competitiveness for jobs involving interaction with families in a variety of disciplines.
Family Science Minor Required Courses
Course # | Title | Credits |
FCL 101 | Skills for Marriage and Intimate Relationships | 4 |
FCL 234 | Contemporary Families | 4 |
FCL 235 | Relationships and Personal Development | 3 |
FCL 336 | Parent Education and Guidance | 4 |
Family Science Electives (any FCL course) | 10 | |
Total Credits for Family Science Minor | 25 |
Pre-Admission Requirements
Application Process
Online Course Offerings
FCL Minor Courses Offered Online | Academic Year | Summer |
Required Courses | ||
FCL 101 Skills for Marriage and Intimate Relationships (4) | X | X |
FCL 234 Contemporary Families (4) | X | X |
FCL 235 Relationships and Personal Development (3) | X | X |
FCL 336 Parent Education and Guidance (4) | X | X |
Electives | ||
FCL 232 Child Development (3) | X | X |
FCL 333 Culture and Marriage (4) | X | |
FCL 335 Divorce and Remarriage (3) | X | |
FCL 337 Human Sexuality (4) | X | |
FCL 403 Family Communication (4) | X | |
FCL 432 Theories in Child Development (3) | X | |
FCL 435 Family Gerontology (4) | X |
The Family and Child Life major has two specializations: Child Life and Family Science.
For information about the Family Science Major or Minor, please contact:
Dr. Amy Claridge
Family Science Program Director
Michaelsen Hall 327
Amy.Claridge@cwu.edu
509-963-2758
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