Major or Minor in Family Science

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

Family Science Minor

Interested in the Major?  Contact Information

Majors with a Family Science Specialization will:

1. Understand relationships and family life from a Family Systems perspective.
2. Develop excellent relationship and interpersonal skills.
3. Experience teamwork and learn collaborative skills.
4. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication and skills.
5. Develop strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
6. Learn to analyze and present scientific information.

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 (NCFR). CWU has the only CFLE approved Family Science program in Washington State.

Family Science Required Courses

*For Family and Child Life Majors Only

Family Science Elective Courses:

Family Science Two Year Graduation Plan

CWU Catalog Program of Study

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Students wishing to declare a major in family and child life must be incoming first-year or transfer students or have a cumulative CWU GPA of 2.8. Family and child life majors must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher to remain in the major and must earn a “C” or higher in all courses used to satisfy the family and child life major.

Application Process

To apply for the major, complete the major application form and contact Dr. Duane Dowd to enroll in the major and be assigned an advisor. 

Family Science Minor (Ellensburg campus or online)

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

Pre-Admission Requirements

Application Process

Online Course Offerings

The Family and Child Life major has three specializations: Child Life, Child Development, and Family Science.

For information about the Family Science Major or Minor, please contact Dr. Duane Dowd

Family and Child Life Faculty