Major in Family and Human Services
The Family and Human Services major has 9-12 units of required prerequisite courses, 43 required units in the major, and 21-34 units of additional coursework depending on the track of study selected by the student. Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA or better in all courses required for the major.
Prerequisites for Upper-Level Major Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | WRITING FOR A LIBERAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| or ENGL 190 | HONORS WRITING SEMINAR | |
| PSYC 101 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY | 3 |
| Basic Statistics Requirement, Select one of the following: 1 | 0-3 | |
| BASIC STATISTICS | ||
| ELEMENTARY BIOSTATISTICS | ||
| STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS I | ||
| STATISTICS FOR FAMILY SCIENCE AND HUMAN SERVICE | ||
| BEHAVIORAL STATISTICS | ||
| Total Units | 9-12 | |
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FMST 101 | INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY STUDIES | 3 |
| or FMST 102 | HONORS INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY STUDIES | |
| FMST 297 | PREPARING HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS: PRE-INTERNSHIP | 3 |
| FMST 301 | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | 3 |
| FMST 302 | FAMILY THEORIES | 3 |
| FMST 303 | CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN FAMILY POLICY | 3 |
| FMST 305 | PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN | 3 |
| FMST 325 | ETHICS IN HUMAN SERVICES | 3 |
| FMST 380 | FAMILY LAW | 3 |
| FMST 387 | COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR FAMILIES | 3 |
| FMST 397 | INTERNSHIP IN FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES | 3 |
| FMST 485 | RESEARCH METHODS IN FAMILY STUDIES | 3 |
| FMST 490 | FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION METHODOLOGY | 4 |
| PSYC 203 | HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| HLTH 220 | SEXUALITY IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY | 3 |
| Total Units | 43 | |
Human Services Track
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PSYC 205 | INTRODUCTION TO THE HELPING RELATIONSHIP | 3 |
| FMST 350 | FUNDAMENTALS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR | 3 |
| or FMST 430 | CASE MANAGEMENT FOR FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES | |
| FMST 497 | ADVANCED INTERNSHIP IN FAMILY STUDIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Electives shall be selected from the following content areas: psychology, sociology, health science, education, gerontology, and women’s studies. Students are encouraged to take a course in small-group dynamics and gerontology. Three elective courses (9 units) must be at the 300 level or above. Minors in Gerontology, Sociology, and Psychology can be completed with minimal or no additional course work. Electives must be approved by a Family Studies adviser or the department chairperson. | 12 | |
| Total Units | 22 | |
Services to Children and Youth Track
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ECED 201 | EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND INTERVENTION | 3 |
| FMST 415 | SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Electives shall be selected from the following content areas: education, psychology, sociology, and health science. Three elective courses (9 units) must be at the 300 level or above. Electives must be approved by a Family Studies adviser or the department chairperson | 15 | |
| Total Units | 21 | |
Introduction to Child Life Track
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| FMST 140 | MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS | 1 |
| FMST 240 | INTRODUCTION TO CHILD LIFE | 3 |
| PSYC 205 | INTRODUCTION TO THE HELPING RELATIONSHIP | 3 |
| FMST 340 | THE HOSPITALIZED CHILD AND FAMILY | 3 |
| FMST 360 | DIVERSITY, CULTURE, AND TEAM DYNAMICS | 3 |
| GERO 367 | DEATH, DYING AND BEREAVEMENT | 3 |
| Required Child and Adolescent Development Courses | ||
| PSYC 403 | INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| PSYC 404 | ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| Total Units | 22 | |
Other Recommended Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 201 | EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND INTERVENTION | 3 |
| ECED 315 | INFANCY AND TODDLERHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND INTERVENTION | 3 |
| FMST 345 | INTRODUCTION TO ART THERAPY | 3 |
Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector Track
The requirements for the Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector track include 10 units of FMST courses and completion of the Business Administration (BUAD) minor (24 units), which can be seen below. Students completing a double major in Business Administration, Business Systems & Processes or Accounting complete the BUAD minor requirements through their second major and are not required to declare the minor to fulfill the Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector track requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Nonprofit Leadership Courses | ||
| FMST 350 | FUNDAMENTALS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR | 3 |
| FMST 355 | FUNDRAISING, FRIENDRAISING AND VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| FMST 497 | ADVANCED INTERNSHIP IN FAMILY STUDIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| Required BUAD Minor 2 | 24 | |
| Total Units | 34 | |
| 1 | Students in the Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector track fulfill this requirement with the required Business Administration (BUAD) minor and need only 9 units of prerequisite courses. |
| 2 | Students must complete at least 12 units of CBE courses at Towson University in order to earn this minor. |
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.
Business Administration Minor
This 24-unit minor is available to students who have a major other than Accounting, Business Administration, or Business Systems and Processes. All requirements for the Business Administration minor must be completed with a grade equivalent of 2.00 or higher. Students electing a Business Administration minor are not formally admitted to nor graduates of the College of Business and Economics (CBE). Students must complete at least 12 units of CBE courses at Towson University in order to earn this minor.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 201 | PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING | 3 |
| or ACCT 211 | HONORS ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES I | |
| ACCT 202 | PRINCIPLES OF MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING | 3 |
| or ACCT 212 | HONORS ACCOUNTNG PRINCIPLES II | |
| ECON 201 | MICROECONOMIC PRINCIPLES | 3 |
| or ECON 203 | HONORS MICROECONOMIC PRINCIPLES | |
| ECON 202 | MACROECONOMIC PRINCIPLES | 3 |
| or ECON 204 | HONORS MACROECONOMIC PRINCIPLES | |
| ECON 205 | STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS I | 3 |
| or MATH 231 | BASIC STATISTICS | |
| MKTG 341 | PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING | 3 |
| MNGT 361 | LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| FIN 330 | ESSENTIALS OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
Human Services Track Suggested Four-Year Plan
Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 101 or 102 | 3 | FMST 325 (Core 14) | 3 |
| PSYC 101 (Core 6) | 3 | SOCI 101 | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 3 | 3 | Core 5 | 3 |
| Core 4 | 3 | Core 10 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| Basics Statistics Course - Select one of the following: 1 | 3-4 | FMST 380 | 3 |
ECON 205 (Core 3) | HLTH 220 (Core 13) | 3 | |
| PSYC 203 | 3 | ||
MATH 231 (Core 3) | Core 8 | 3-4 | |
MATH 237 (Core 3) | Core 12 | 3 | |
| Core 7 | 4 | ||
| Core 11 | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 13-14 | 15-16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 302 | 3 | FMST 297 | 3 |
| FMST 305 | 3 | FMST 301 | 3 |
| FMST 350 or 430 | 3 | FMST 303 | 3 |
| PSYC 205 | 3 | FMST 387 | 3 |
| Human Service Track Elective | 3 | Human Service Track Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 397 | 3 | FMST 490 | 4 |
| FMST 485 (Core 9) | 3 | FMST 497 | 4 |
| Human Service Track Elective | 3 | Human Service Track Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Total Units 120-122 | |||
| 1 | Must be taken prior to FMST 485. |
Services to Children And Youth Track Suggested Four-Year Plan
Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 101 or 102 | 3 | FMST 201 (Suggested: Core 10) | 3 |
| PSYC 101 (Core 6) | 3 | SOCI 101 | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 3 | 3 | Core 5 | 3 |
| Core 4 | 3 | Core 11 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| Basic Statistics Course - Select one of the following:1 | 3-4 | FMST 380 | 3 |
ECON 205 (Core 3) | HLTH 220 (Core 13) | 3 | |
| SC&Y Track Elective | 3 | ||
MATH 231 (Core 3) | Elective | 3 | |
MATH 237 (Core 3) | Core 8 | 3-4 | |
| PSYC 203 | 3 | ||
| Core 7 | 4 | ||
| Core 12 | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16-17 | 15-16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| ECED 201 | 3 | FMST 301 | 3 |
| FMST 302 | 3 | FMST 303 | 3 |
| FMST 305 | 3 | SC&Y Track Elective | 3 |
| FMST 325 (Core 14) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| SC&Y Track Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 297 | 3 | FMST 397 | 3 |
| FMST 387 | 3 | FMST 415 | 3 |
| FMST 485 (Core 9) | 3 | FMST 490 | 4 |
| SC&Y Track Elective | 3 | SC&Y Track Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Total Units 122-124 | |||
| 1 | Must be taken prior to FMST 485. |
Introduction to Child Life Suggested Four-Year Plan
Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 101 or 102 | 3 | FMST 201 (Suggested: Core 10) | 3 |
| PSYC 101 (Core 6) | 3 | SOCI 101 | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 3 | 3 | Core 5 | 3 |
| Core 4 | 3 | Core 11 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| Basic Statistics Course - Select one of the following:1 | 3-4 | FMST 140 | 1 |
ECON 205 (Core 3) | FMST 240 | 3 | |
| FMST 380 | 3 | ||
MATH 231 (Core 3) | HLTH 220 (Core 13) | 3 | |
MATH 237 (Core 3) | Core 8 | 3-4 | |
| FMST 360 | 3 | ||
| PSYC 203 | 3 | ||
| Core 7 | 4 | ||
| Core 12 | 3 | ||
| 16-17 | 13-14 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 302 | 3 | FMST 301 | 3 |
| FMST 305 | 3 | FMST 303 | 3 |
| FMST 325 (Core 14) | 3 | FMST 340 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | PSYC 205 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 297 | 3 | FMST 397 | 3 |
| FMST 387 | 3 | FMST 490 | 4 |
| FMST 485 (Core 9) | 3 | PSYC 403 | 3 |
| GERO 367 | 3 | PSYC 404 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Total Units 120-122 | |||
| 1 | Must be taken prior to FMST 485. |
Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector Track With Business Administration Minor Suggested Four-Year Plan
Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 101 or 102 | 3 | ECON 202 or 204 | 3 |
| PSYC 101 (Core 6) | 3 | FMST 201 (Suggested: Core 10) | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | SOCI 101 | 3 |
| Core 3 | 3 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 4 | 3 | Core 5 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| Basic Statistics Course - Select one of the following:1 | 3-4 | ACCT 201 or 211 | 3 |
ECON 205 (Core 3) | ECON 201 or 203 | 3 | |
| FMST 305 | 3 | ||
MATH 231 (Core 3) | FMST 380 | 3 | |
MATH 237 (Core 3) | Core 8 | 3-4 | |
| ACCT 202 or 212 | 3 | ||
| FMST 301 | 3 | ||
| FMST 350 | 3 | ||
| Core 7 | 4 | ||
| 16-17 | 15-16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FMST 302 | 3 | FMST 297 | 3 |
| HLTH 220 (Core 13) | 3 | FMST 303 | 3 |
| MKTG 341 | 3 | FMST 387 | 3 |
| Core 11 | 3 | PSYC 203 | 3 |
| Core 12 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| FIN 330 | 3 | MNGT 361 | 3 |
| FMST 325 (Core 14) | 3 | FMST 490 | 4 |
| FMST 355 | 3 | FMST 497 | 4 |
| FMST 397 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| FMST 485 (Core 9) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Total Units 120-122 | |||
| 1 | Must be taken prior to FMST 485. |
- Students will demonstrate competency in written communication and oral communication.
- Students will use knowledge acquired in family studies and human services courses in field experiences (community service and internship placements) and capstone courses.
- Students will demonstrate comprehensive research skills related to the discipline. Students will demonstrate informational literacy and technological competency.