Major in Family and Human Services

Majors in Family and Human Services complete 64 or 65 units of course work depending on the track of study the student selects. Students complete 43 units of required courses. For each track, they complete additional track-specific courses and electives. These requirements include a sequence of focused community courses including FMST 297, FMST 387, FMST 397, and FMST 490. The units of internship requirements are ­specified by each track. 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.

Prerequisites for Courses in the Major

 Required Courses

Family Life Educator Certification

Completion of the above required course work prepares the student for provisional certification as a Family Life Educator (CFLE). A student may become fully certified by completing two years of family life work experience following graduation. The CFLE credential is administered through the National Council on Family Relations.

HUMAN SERVICES TRACK (22 units)

SERVICES TO CHILDREN and youth TRACK (21 units)

INTRODUCTION TO CHILD LIFE TRACK (21 UNITS)

Other Recommended Courses

LEADERSHIP IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR TRACK (10 UNITS)

The requirements for this track include FMST courses and completion of the minor in Business Administration (BUAD) (21 units).

Community Experience

Civic Engagement/Service Learning

Internships and service learning are critical components of the Family and Human Services major. A continuum of field experiences offered throughout the program provides opportunities for students to enhance their understanding of course content, develop professional skills, and apply knowledge in the field. The first concentrated field experience is obtained during FMST 387. This course focuses on service learning through program development. Students participate directly with community organizations and agencies. Internships are the culminating field experience for the Family and Human Services major. The internship experience offers students the opportunity to apply course content, learn new skills, and develop professional contacts.

Family and Human Services interns work in a variety of settings depending on their interests. Internships occur in off-campus public and private agencies, including but not limited to, preschools, day-care centers for children or adults, child abuse and domestic violence centers, family support centers, agencies for the disabled, and various mental health and health care facilities. Examples of recent student placements include: Adoptions Together, Art with a Heart, Ashland Preschool Center, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Baltimore, The Family Tree, Jemicy School, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Law Office of Carl Gold, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, National Family Resiliency Center, Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, University of Maryland Hospital for Children, Young Parent Support Center.

The curriculum emphasizes civic engagement through service learning. Service learning involves a process of preparation for community experiences, participation in the community, and integration of the academic preparation and community participation. The integration process involves self-reflection as well as self-discovery, including understanding of values, skills, and content. Community participation is required in several courses throughout the curriculum.

Human Services Track Suggested Four-Year Plan

Services to Children And Youth Track Suggested Four-Year Plan

INTRODUCTION TO CHILD LIFE Suggested FOUR-YEAR PLAN

LEADERSHIP IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR TRACK With Business ADministration Minor Suggested Four-Year Plan

1) Students will demonstrate competency in written communication and oral communication.
2) Students will use knowledge acquired in family studies and human services courses in field experiences (community service and internship placements) and capstone courses.
3) Students will demonstrate comprehensive research skills related to the discipline. Students will demonstrate informational literacy and technological competency.