Admissions | Careers | Curriculum | Field Placements | Overview
Child & Family Studies Faculty In Social Work
Dr. Katherine Stamps-Mitchell, Dr. Loren Marks, Dr. Pam Monroe, Dr. Sarah Pierce, Dr. Cassandra Chaney
BS in Child and Family Studies Overview
Are you interested in learning how to make a difference in the lives of children and families?
The Child and Family Studies (CFS) undergraduate degree at LSU is an exciting integration of theory, research, and practice from multiple disciplines with a unique blend of liberal arts and professional education. The major focuses broadly on child development and family dynamics, with special emphases on parenting throughout childhood, couples in dating, marital, and cohabiting relationships, social and psychological development, interactions between family members, influences on child and family well-being, cultural variation among families, and practical application of knowledge about individuals and families.
The CFS coursework and required internships are excellent preparation for many different types of graduate programs as well as careers working with children and families. Students who graduate with a BS in Child and Family Studies may begin working as family advocates, youth workers, cooperative extension associates, social service agency administrators, and service providers for community agencies serving children, youth, and families. The degree also provides a solid foundation of coursework for students who intend to pursue a graduate degree in human development and family studies, marriage and family therapy, social work, counseling, early childhood education, family law, and other fields focused on children and families.
One of the strengths of the Child and Family undergraduate degree at LSU is the extensive community-based practicum experience built into the curriculum. The practicum experience during the junior year allows students to gain field experience at an agency of their choosing. Field experience is expanded during the senior year to include a more intensive semester-long internship at another student selected agency. Students are commonly involved in practicum opportunities such as assisting with an early childhood classroom in a child care center, teaching parenting and other life skills to teen moms, and providing outreach to at-risk youth for a community organization. Students have ample opportunity to explore and pursue varied career options.
The CFS major at LSU follows curriculum recommendations by the National Council on Family Relations, featuring courses focused on the following topics:
Families & Individuals in Societal Contexts
Internal Dynamics of Families
Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan
Human Sexuality
Interpersonal Relationships
Family Resource Management
Parent Education and Guidance
Family Law and Public Policy
Professional Ethics & Practice
Family Life Education Methodology
CATS has a full list of degree requirements and courses offered.
