Bachelor of Science in Family Science Online

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This versatile online bachelor’s program in family science prepares you for a broad range of careers in education, policy, advocacy and leadership.

Apply by: 12/30/25
Start class: 1/20/26

Program Overview

Delve into the online Bachelor of Science in Family Science degree program

The online Bachelor of Science in Family Science program from Lamar University prepares you for success in a diverse range of family-focused careers, including counseling, education, advocacy or nonprofit leadership.

Coursework aligns with the industry-leading Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential and provides a strong foundation of knowledge and applied skills in 10 core content areas defined by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). You’ll work closely with expert faculty to complete a 120-hour supervised field experience and customize your learning to suit your goals with eight electives and a professional development course.

This affordable program is designed for maximum flexibility and career impact, enabling you to work full time as you pursue a credential-aligned path to advancement in professions supporting individuals, families and communities. Earning your B.S. in Family Science degree online also prepares you for the LU online Master of Education in Counseling & Development program, which offers a specialization in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling.

In this online family science bachelor’s program, you will:

  • Build expertise in the 10 core content areas of family science defined by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), including human growth and development, family law and public policy
  • Design and deliver family life education programs that foster healthy relationships, prevent crises and strengthen communities
  • Navigate ethical, legal and policy frameworks that shape services for individuals, couples and families in diverse settings
  • Gain hands-on experience and career skills through a 120-hour supervised field placement aligned with your goals
  • Enhance your resume, interview skills and career readiness in a professional development course
  • Graduate prepared for master’s study in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related fields
In this online family science bachelor’s program, you will:+
  • Build expertise in the 10 core content areas of family science defined by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), including human growth and development, family law and public policy
  • Design and deliver family life education programs that foster healthy relationships, prevent crises and strengthen communities
  • Navigate ethical, legal and policy frameworks that shape services for individuals, couples and families in diverse settings
  • Gain hands-on experience and career skills through a 120-hour supervised field placement aligned with your goals
  • Enhance your resume, interview skills and career readiness in a professional development course
  • Graduate prepared for master’s study in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related fields

With a B.S. in Family Science degree, you can explore career opportunities in:

  • Local, state and national human services agencies
  • Child and family advocacy and policy organizations
  • Case management and social services coordination
  • Nonprofit and community program leadership
  • Family life education and prevention programs
  • Wellness and support services for individuals, couples and families
With a B.S. in Family Science degree, you can explore career opportunities in:+
  • Local, state and national human services agencies
  • Child and family advocacy and policy organizations
  • Case management and social services coordination
  • Nonprofit and community program leadership
  • Family life education and prevention programs
  • Wellness and support services for individuals, couples and families

Career outlook for graduates with a B.S. in Family Science:

  • Job growth for family science bachelor's graduates is excellent, with employment in Texas and nationwide projected to rise more than 15% through 2033 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025)
  • The fastest-growing occupations for family science degree graduates include social and community service managers; social science research assistants; marriage and family therapists; and child, family and school social workers (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025)
  • Graduates can access diverse job settings and opportunities for specialization by population, client life stage, subject matter area, employment setting and services delivered (National Council on Family Relations, 2025)
Career outlook for graduates with a B.S. in Family Science:+
  • Job growth for family science bachelor's graduates is excellent, with employment in Texas and nationwide projected to rise more than 15% through 2033 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025)
  • The fastest-growing occupations for family science degree graduates include social and community service managers; social science research assistants; marriage and family therapists; and child, family and school social workers (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025)
  • Graduates can access diverse job settings and opportunities for specialization by population, client life stage, subject matter area, employment setting and services delivered (National Council on Family Relations, 2025)

Also Available:

Lamar University offers a variety of specialized bachelor’s program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Per Credit Hour $314*
Transfer Credits Up to 90 hours
Credit Hours 120**

*Price includes distance learning fee.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-223-7675

Call 866-223-7675

Tuition

Find out how and when to pay your online B.S. in Family Science tuition

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Family Science online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course.

View additional tuition information+
Program Per Credit Hour Per Course
B.S. in Family Science $314 $942

*University fees are included in the tuition listed. University fees are able to be covered by Financial Aid if you choose to apply and are qualified.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.

Total program cost depends on transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information, contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.

Financial Aid

Ready to get started on your degree but need help finding ways to fund your education? We can help you discover student financing sources that include grants, loans and other payment options. Learn more about financial aid here.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour $314*

Calendar

These are the milestones to guide your student journey

Our Bachelor of Science in Family Science online program features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Find the start date that works best for you and apply before the application deadline associated with it.

View full calendar +

8 week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Fall 210/13/259/22/259/29/2510/7/2512/10/25
Spring I1/20/2612/30/251/6/261/13/263/13/26
Spring II3/16/262/23/263/2/263/10/265/6/26
Summer I5/26/265/5/265/12/265/19/266/30/26

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 12/30/25
Class Starts 1/20/26

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?

Apply Now

Admissions

Review the admission guidelines for the online family science degree program

The Bachelor of Science in Family Science online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.

Admission Requirements:

  • Online Application
  • Official Transcripts
View all admission requirements +

All applicants must complete an application packet:

  • Complete online application and pay an application fee of $25
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges and universities you have attended
  • Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended
  • Verify specific requirements associated with chosen degree program

High school graduates who have not attended college before are considered entering freshmen—even if they received college credit while in high school through dual credit, AP or IB programs. Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of college credit also must meet admission requirements for entering freshmen.

Incoming freshmen must do the following to qualify for unconditional admission to Lamar University:

  • Receive a diploma from an accredited high school
  • Complete at least 14 high school credits in college preparatory courses: 4 credits in English, 3 credits in mathematics, 2 credits in laboratory sciences, 2.5 credits in social sciences (U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history or world geography) and 2.5 credits in college preparatory electives (preferably including 2 credits of foreign language)
  • Meet the test-optional admission criteria or achieve a minimum composite score on the ACT or SAT through the secondary review criteria. (Click here for criteria)

Submit your high school transcripts via Trex, Speedy, Escript or as a PDF from your high school counselor to [email protected].

Send all required documents to:

Lamar University Online Admissions
PO Box 10017
Beaumont, TX 77710

OR

Submit electronically to [email protected]

All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Send transcripts to: Lamar University, P.O. Box 10017, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.

Craig Escamilla

As a passionate advocate for new technology, I am constantly interested in the challenge of how to make the online educational experience the best it can be for our students.

Craig Escamilla, Lamar University Faculty

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Toni Mulvaney

Learning is a life-long process. Always use your gifts to become the best version of yourself.

Toni P. Mulvaney, Lamar University Faculty

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Kelly Weeks

I truly enjoyed being in school and learning. My dean encouraged me to pursue my Ph.D. Once in the Ph.D. program, I began teaching as an assistant, and found I really enjoyed it.

Kelly Weeks, Lamar University Faculty

View Kelly Weeks's profile »

Courses

Explore the B.S. in Family Science degree online program coursework

The Lamar University Bachelor of Science in Family Science online program features the same quality instruction from supportive faculty as our established hybrid, on-campus program. Through core coursework and a field experience, you will develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary family issues, the historical context of families, the dynamics of human development and more.

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Communication - 3 Hours
Mathematics - 3 Hours
Life and Physical Sciences - 6 Hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture - 3 Hours
Creative Arts - 3 Hours
American History - 6 Hours
Government/Political Science - 6 Hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Hours
Component Area Options - 6 Hours

Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the quantitative methods of analysis as applied to business problems. Topics of study include collection of data, statistical description, probability theory, probability distribution, sampling theory, estimation of parameters and testing hypothesis. Prerequisite: MATH 1325 or MATH 1324.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the art of dance and its role in world cultures, history and current issues. This course satisfies the fine arts core for non-dance majors. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The synthesis of computer games with a focus on the artistic elements of games, including graphics, animation, audio and narrative.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes monetary theory; national income analysis; fluctuation and growth; public finance; international trade; and current economic problems.
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
United States history from the revolutionary period through reconstruction.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the development and history of Rock Music from its origins in earlier styles up to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts. No Prerequisites.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of many aspects of space exploration, including discovering the physical make-up of the universe and evidence surrounding its origin, learning the discoveries made in the solar system and evidence surrounding its origin. This course in addition to lecture material will include a class project to assess teamwork skills.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the development and history of Jazz as a musical form from its origins in earlier styles to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor specified recitals or concerts.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to the relationship between human activities, geologic resources and processes and environmental quality. Topics include the relationship between human populations and geologic hazards, as well as how human activities may increase the chances of geologic hazards occurring. Emphasis will be from the geologic perspective, but will include all basic sciences. Field trips are an integral part of this course. Offered: Fall, Spring
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the field of film with emphasis on current trends in cinema, past and present directors, and the historical development of film. Satisfies the Fine Arts core curriculum requirement.
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic forms of expository writing. Frequent themes. Collateral reading in articles and essays of a factual and informative type.
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course emphasizing the understanding and appreciation of visual arts (painting, sculpture, and architecture).
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A continuation of CHEM 1311. Theories of solutions, equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111 both with a C or better.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A historical examination of theories and principles of social and personal conduct ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Mill and Nietzsche. Applications to current issues. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 Offered: Fall, Spring.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to economic principles; allocation of resources; determination of output and prices; distribution; and managerial economics.
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Texas history from the beginning to the present time.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of elementary inorganic/organic chemistry and gas laws for allied health science majors. Prerequisites: (High school chemistry or CHEM 1375 with a grade of "C" or better) and (Mathematics Readiness Score>= 700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a "C" or better).
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
United States history from the post-reconstruction period to the present.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Elementary survey of structure, function and metabolic processes of molecules in organisms. Designed for students majoring in health sciences. Prerequisites: CHEM 1306, CHEM 1106. Offered: Summer
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The national and Texas constitutions; federalism; political socialization and participation; public opinion and interest groups; parties, voting, and elections.
Duration: 5 & 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Algebra-based review of chemical laws and theory for science, engineering and preprofessional majors. Prerequisites: Mathematics Readiness Score >=700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a C or better
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A close reading of related themes, authors or periods and/or a close viewing of films with related themes or makers. The course will focus on literature, the arts, politics, philosophy or culture. It will not take the place of other 2000 level courses that require ENGL 1301 and 1302. It will not take the place of ENGL 1302. It is intended for students who do not take 6 hours of composition. Course may be repeated when content varies. Pre-requisite: English 1301.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational, to business, economics and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming and probability, including simple value. Prerequisites: TSI complete or TSI exempt. Students with a TSI score of 336 or higher, or with a S in MATH 0370 may take this course with co-requisite course MATH 0224. Students who are registered for MATH 1324 and MATH 0224 are not allowed to drop these courses due to the state's TSI compliance requirements.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Application of the fundamentals of speech production to the needs of the professional person. For non-communication majors only.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the bureaucracy; policy formulation and implementation including civil rights and civil liberties, domestic and foreign policies.
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Forms of expository and analytical writing. Topics from composition suggested from wide reading in at least two of the three genres: prose fiction, poetry, and drama. Research paper required.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to contemporary environmental issues and human interactions with ecosystems. Not to be used as a biology major course.
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of music. Covers the major style periods from the Renaissance to the present with emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. Requires attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The objective of this course is to teach students to solve realistic problems using the most readily available "off-the-shelf" general applications software: word processing, spreadsheets and database systems. The course familiarizes the student with Internet resources. Students learn the basic components of computer systems and networks. (This course may not be taken as a COSC/CPSC elective).
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the individual and the family. Individual development, interpersonal relationships, sexuality, tasks of marriage, work and the family and parenting skills in relation to the family life cycle.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
People have always lived in families, but what that means has changed dramatically across time and across cultures. This course explores internal functionality, as well as how the family unit has contributed to the advancement and/or regression of its members and society at large.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of private, non-profit and governmental agencies that serve children and families.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of lifespan developmental sexuality to meet sex education professional responsibilities for families.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of current topics affecting family life. Topics will address issues across the lifespan and will consider a variety of viewpoints.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Dynamics of growth and development of children from conception through adolescence. Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as guidance techniques are addressed.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Dynamics of growth and development from young adulthood through death. Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, including current issues and challenges at each of those stages (young adulthood, middle adulthood and late adulthood).
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Process of policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Reciprocal relationship between family functioning and public policy. Analysis of impact and effectiveness of public policy for families and consumers. Roles of family sciences professionals in influencing policy.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of methodologies, skills, and strategies for strengthening families through outreach programs in formal, nonformal, and informal settings and using mass, group, and individual modalities. Emphasis on increasing resilience for families experiencing vulnerabilities.
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of operational processes that are common to human services agencies, whether public or private. Topics include budget and funding, staff and volunteer management and program planning and execution.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Interpersonal violence throughout the life cycle from immediate and extended family members. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect perpetuated against children, spouses and the elderly. Includes viewpoints of law enforcement and treatment strategies.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the importance of family relationships in the development of the child and individual behavior. Specific study of parenting skills, interaction between parent and child, interrelationships between family and larger community.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the interdisciplinary nature of family communication. Critique of communication patterns and applications of theoretical approaches in reference to interpersonal relationships.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Leadership, personal style, and protocol for working as a professional. Assessment of individual strengths, areas for improvement, and interpersonal relationship skills. Includes the development and nature of the profession, entry into the profession, exploration of career options, and opportunities for graduate study. Requires development of a personal portfolio.
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Cooperative work-study arrangement between business, industry or selected governmental or private agencies and the FCS Department. Conferences and/or seminars with faculty coordinator are required. May be repeated with varied experiences for a maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: Senior standing, Family and Consumer Sciences Major; advanced approval.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to nutrition including functions, sources, characteristics and recommended intake of nutrients; digestion; absorption and metabolism; special needs during various phases of the life cycle; diet therapy and patient assessment, education, and counseling.

Students may select a minor, or choose electives approved by their advisor.

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