Families with economic hardships frequently turn to organizations offering financial assistance and counseling services. In 2019, the last year for which data is available, 99.1 million Americans participated in a social safety net program supported by the federal government. Those numbers rose dramatically during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to sudden unemployment, healthcare costs and food insecurity.
Graduates of Lamar University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Family Studies program obtain the knowledge and field experience they need to work in a wide variety of social services settings, ranging from local, state and national agencies to family intervention, family wellness and community services organizations.
What Is Family Studies?
Students in the online Family Studies program study the psychology of relationships within a family unit and how those connections influence human development within society at large.
Family studies professionals have many opportunities to meet with families, observe the issues their household is facing and recommend interventions to help the family meet its needs and thrive as part of the community. Some of those interventions could be assistance applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or referring parents to a community organization providing after-school programming for their children.
While in Lamar University’s online B.S. in Family Studies program, students complete coursework like Diverse Family Structures and Historical Context of Families to better understand how family units operate outside the traditional nuclear structure or within different cultural backgrounds. Other courses, such as Intimate Relationships, explore how individual development intersects with interpersonal relationships, marriage, work and parenting throughout a family’s life cycle.
All coursework and accompanying field experience and internship opportunities prepare graduates to pursue fulfilling career paths as employees of government agencies and non-governmental organizations, including nonprofit and faith-based groups.
Where Can I Work With a Family Studies Degree?
One common path for family studies graduates is working for a state, local or tribal child support agency. These agencies facilitate child support payments between a child’s parent/legal guardian and their non-custodial parent following the end of a marriage or other relationship.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, agency staff determine who is responsible for child support, create realistic payment plans, collect payments and reduce child support debt. Each state or local agency manages its own child support program based on its regulations, offering various strategies to improve the well-being of children and families. Staff members are committed to providing services to all who need them, regardless of their residency, income, nationality, gender or racial identity.
Another option for family studies graduates is pursuing a career in family intervention and wellness. Employees in this field provide supportive environments for families as counselors, case workers and youth advocates, developing programs for children to learn more about health and well-being. These positions commonly appear in government offices and schools, but nonprofit organizations and faith-based charities also employ staff members to work directly with families to support their mental and physical well-being.
A family studies background also lends itself well to a career in community services. Some community services professionals work specifically with vulnerable populations like refugees or domestic violence survivors, while others focus on a specific region, city or neighborhood. They often work to get clients the necessary resources, including housing, daycare, food and bill assistance.
They may act as counselors developing improvement plans for individuals at a shelter for unhoused people or as advocates for people dealing with substance abuse disorder. There are many opportunities to make a difference across the public and private sectors, with community services workers finding jobs at charities, local authorities, community centers and urban and rural development groups.
Pursue Family Studies Career Options With Lamar University
Beyond preparing graduates to provide quality care to families of all backgrounds, Lamar University’s online B.S. in Family Studies program also provides a solid foundation to pursue master’s degrees and other post-secondary credentials. Regardless of where they decide to specialize, graduates leave the program with a clear path to furthering their career in the field.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Bachelor of Science in Family Studies program.
