Family Science Major

Family science professionals impact individuals, families and communities.

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Family science majors engage meaningfully with coursework to develop critical work skills they can use in the future as family and human service professionals.
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Students may choose the Introduction to Child Life track.

The family science major provides students with knowledge of the factors that influences human behavior and the skills needed to provide services to a variety of individuals in a range of settings. Students will learn how to help individuals utilize their capabilities and reach their optimal level of functioning.

Family science majors may choose between two tracks, the general "Family and Human Services Track" or the “Introduction to Child Life Track”,  which equips students interested in a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Child life promotes effective coping in children and families who are undergoing stressful medical experiences.

Students interested in becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist may apply for the Child Life, Administration and Family Collaboration (B.S. to M.S.) program in their junior year with this track.

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Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions

Family science majors complete a total of either 54 units (for the Family and Human Services track) or 64 units (for the Introduction to Child Life track).

  • nine units of prerequisite courses
  • 21-24 units of foundational family science course work
  • 21-31 units of specialized coursework requirements 

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA or better in all courses required for the major and must meet Towson University requirements for the completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

Students are not permitted to declare both the Family Science major and the Family and Human Services major. 

Review the Undergraduate Catalog for more information about degree requirements and course descriptions.

Accelerated B.S./M.S.

The Department of Family Science offers an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program for this major.

Accelerated programs allow you to begin your graduate education as an undergraduate, offering you the opportunity to save time and money while you advance your academic career.

The combined B.S. in Family Science/M.S. in Child Life, Administration and Family Collaboration enables students to substitute nine credits in the Master’s in Child Life, Administration and Family Collaboration program for undergraduate classes in the family science major.

why towson University?

  • Small classes taught by experienced faculty give students the opportunity to interact with instructors and fellow classmates.
  • Students build a portfolio of practical experience that complements coursework through internships and field placements at leading social service agencies, health care organizations, schools, and government entities. Choose your internship site from a list of more than 75 agencies in the Baltimore region.
  • The Towson University Student Council on Family Relations and the Child Life Club offer student-led opportunities to participate in service and fundraising events benefiting families and communities in the Baltimore area.

Minor Available at TU in Northeastern Maryland

The Northeastern campus offers a convenient transfer option for Harford Community College (HCC) students and another campus of opportunities for Towson students. Find out more at TU in Northeastern Maryland.