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Family Studies

Program Overview
Courses

The structure, values and dynamics of family play crucial roles in all stages of human development. Understanding family history gives great insight and explanation to current attitudes and behaviors. Let us train you in understanding family through a Christian lens. We will provide you with opportunities for research and conversations. Our experienced faculty will guide you in a holistic study of family’s influence, from infancy to old age. Your courses will include topics such as marriage, family problems and aging — all including real-time situations and collaborative conversations. Pair this minor with a psychology, teaching or other related degree, and you will be a distinguished professional.

Courses

Specific courses required:

FS 2233 - Family and Intimate Relationships: Christian Perspectives
FS 3433 - Family Interaction
FS 3503 - Family Problems
FS 3533 - Early and Middle Childhood Development
FS 4403 - Families in Later Adulthood
SO 2103 - The Family

Three hours selected from:

PS 3453 - Death and Dying
SW 3223 - Social Work with Aging

For parent/child emphasis the following courses should be taken instead of those listed above:

FS 2233 - Family and Intimate Relationships: Christian Perspectives
FS 3433 - Family Interaction
FS 3503 - Family Problems
FS 3533 - Early and Middle Childhood Development
FS 3563 - Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
SO 2103 - The Family
ED 3451 - Early Childhood Practicum

Contact Information

Family Science

Shaun Calix
Lead Fac, Family Science
(615) 966-5204
Shaun.Calix@lipscomb.edu

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Service learning

We provide you the opportunity to enhance your academic understanding by applying what you’ve learned in class to service projects that benefit our community. Before graduation, you’ll participate in at least two SALT (Serving and Learning Together) projects.

Study Abroad

See the world — whether it’s Italy, Austria, Costa Rica, England or another country. Career opportunities will open for you as you sharpen your foreign language skills. Gain the international experience and cross-cultural communication skills you’ll need in our global economy.

Our Faculty

Career Paths

Marriage and Family Therapists

Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships.

Social Workers

Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.