Mount Saint Vincent University
About the Program
The Family Studies and Gerontology program at Mount Saint Vincent University offers two options: (1) Gerontology, which focuses on issues relating to aging in contemporary society, and (2) Family Studies, which encompasses a study of individuals and families across the life course. Students are prepared for a variety of careers in the social welfare and family support sectors, which focus on prevention, support, and community development. The Department offers undergraduate minors and concentrations in (a) family studies, and (b) gerontology, A minor/concentration in Family Studies or Gerontology complements other programs such as sociology, psychology, public policy, and women's studies by providing a focused examination of family or aging issues as well as giving students applied skills (e.g., program planning, advocacy, communication skills, policy development and analysis) that will be beneficial in working with families and aging individuals.
A thesis-based Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Family Studies and Gerontology is also offered. Faculty engage in research related to areas such as unpaid caregiving, caregiving policy, retirement, military families, family life education, qualitative methodology, LGBT families, individuals aging with life-long disabilities, sexuality, division of labour in families, immigrants, and elder abuse.
Program Overview
| Area | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| Family Science | 50% | |
| Gerontology | 50% |
Address & Contact Information
Undergraduate Program
- Introduction to Family Studies
- Introduction to Gerontology
- Healthy Aging
- The Roots of Peace and Conflict
- Cross-Cultural Study of Aging
- Perspectives on Parent-Child Relations Across the Life Course
- Sociology of Aging
- Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
- Resilient Families
- Program Planning in Family Life Education
- Women and Aging
- Perspectives on Death and Dying
- Family Violence Across the Life Course
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Strategies for Planned Change
- Contemporary and Professional Ethical Issues in Aging and Families
- Care Policies
- Conflict Management and Mediation
- Special Topics in Family Studies
- Special Topics in Gerontology
- Directed Study in Family Studies
- Directed Study in Gerontology
In the undergraduate programs, students examine family relationships and issues faced by individuals and families across the life course, delve into policies on family life education and aging, explore theories of family and social relations, acquire advocacy skills, and learn how to develop community programs. Problem solving, analytical skills, and research skills are explored at different levels of the program.
Graduate Program
- Research Methods
- Family Life Education
- Family Relations Across the Life-Course
- Critical Theories in Family Studies and Gerontology
- Program Planning: Implementation and Evaluation
- Social Policies on Family and Aging
- Special Topics
- Independent Study
- Thesis
- Family Violence Across the Life Course
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This program is for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in the field. It prepares and/or enhances students' careers in aging, community or family services, family life education, and community development. Graduate study focuses on issues that impact individual family members, families, and societal concerns (e.g., population aging, public policy). Both quantitative and qualitative research is conducted in the department; students work with their advisors to choose the most appropriate methodology to answer their thesis questions. Close working relationships with faculty allow graduate students to develop strong research skills in issues related to family relationships and aging.