Marriage and Family Studies

Jamie Goff, Chair
ACU Box 29439
Abilene, Texas 79699-9439
Biblical Studies Building 270
Phone: 325-674-3778
Fax: 325-674-3749
Email: jaime.goff@acu.edu
Web: acu.edu/academics/marriage-family-studies

Faculty
Dale Bertram, Professor
Sara E. Blakeslee, Assistant Professor
Jaime Goff, Associate Professor
Heidi Morris, Adjunct Faculty
Alan Wages, Assistant Professor
Steve Wages, Associate Professor
 

Majors: 
Family Studies (BS)

Minors: 
Family Studies

The Department of Marriage and Family Studies offers the Bachelors of Science degree in Family Studies.  A minor in Family Studies may be added to other majors.

The Department also offers the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy.  See the Graduate School Section of the catalog.

Introduction
The mission of the Department of Marriage and Family Studies is to equip students to strengthen family relationships and solve personal and relational problems through child and family services or therapeutic intervention (at the graduate level) while cultivating Christian leadership and character in each student.

The undergraduate program in Family Studies contributes to this mission through:

• Emphasizing the formation of healthy relationships and the promotion of optimal human development; 
• Examining current research and theory regarding the normal issues with which individuals and families must content as they grow and evolve; 
• Creating opportunities for students to design, implement, and evaluate family life education programs; and
• Providing diverse practicum experiences that prepare students for future employment.

The graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy contributes to this mission through:

• Emphasizing a Christocentric view of human nature and personal/relational problems within a context of diversity; 
• Providing a diverse clinical training experience; 
• Encouraging development of a professional identity by fostering involvement in the profession of marriage and family therapy; and
• Creating a culture of research.

The Department is committed to attaining high standards in education while offering personal guidance to students regarding their lie choices.  Family Studies faculty members have academic degrees and professional experience in such areas as community services, marriage and family therapy, gerontology, research, administration, family life education, ministry, organizational development, group leadership, business consulting, family violence, and healthcare services.

Study Abroad Expectations
All students are encouraged to participate in ACU's Study Abroad program.  Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site.  Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Family Studies
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Studies is designed to equip students to serve the needs of children and families in a variety of community settings.  For those with a strong desire to help improve people's lives, the program equips students to provide social services and educational programs designed to improve the functioning of children and their families, to help strengthen family relationships, and to solve personal and family problems.  Taught from a Christian perspective, the program prepares students for a variety of careers serving children and families such as social service providers, family service workers, child life specialists, child and adult protective service providers, youth services and program directors, child development center directors and family life educators.  The Family Studies major requirements examine ten content or subject areas prescribed by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Students use recommended electives to build a specific area of study or concentration based on their professional interests such as child life, marriage and family, counseling, child and family ministry, gerontology, etc.  Upon graduation, students will have completed the course content necessary to take the NCFR Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) examination if desired. Majors in Family Studies should be people-oriented, sensitive to the concerns of children and families, effective in communication and listening skills, and strong in potential for leadership and management.

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to this program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.
 

FAMILY STUDIES (BS)    
 

Minor in Family Studies       
 

Course Descriptions
Please see the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Courses offered by the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry include those with the following designations: FAM.