University of Tennessee
About the Program
The Department of Child and Family Studies seeks to prepare both competent professionals and effective family members through an emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of challenges facing children and families in today's complex society. Coursework in human development and family studies is an integration of these areas and creates a unique perspective for the study of individuals and families. Those interested in seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree in the field of marriage and family will be particularly interested to know that many of our faculty study families who are experiencing stress and/or chronic or developmental strain. Specific topics include (a) families experiencing economic distress, (b) families caring for an aging family member, (c) families experiencing marital conflict or divorce, (d) families who are having trouble with parenting children as they grow older, (e) families who have members who are violent with one another, and (f) families with children with disabilities.
Program Overview
| Area | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 50% | |
| Family Studies | 25% | |
| Human Development | 25% |
Address & Contact Information
Undergraduate Program
- Introduction to Child & Family Studies
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Human Development
- Development in Infancy & Childhood
- Marriage & Family: Roles & Relationships
- Human Sexuality
- Families in Middle & Later Adulthood
- Family Interaction
- Family Resource Management
- Early Childhood Education I (Environments for Children)
- arly Childhood Education II (Curricula & Program Development for Young Children)
- Reading, Language, & Literacy
- Family Stress
- Diversity among Children & Families
- Introduction to Research Methods & Statistics
- Development of Professional Skills
- Early Childhood Teaching Methods
- Family Life & Parent Education
- Practicum: Pre-K Teaching
- Practicum in Child Development
- Practicum: Community Placement
- Research in Child & Family Studies
- Special Topics in Child & Family Studies
- Practicum: Research
The Child and Family Studies major has a strong, applied focus. The department's primary mission is to graduate students who have acquired the competence to work with children and families. CFS students learn how social systems and societal institutions are interconnected in ways that either foster or hinder the development of children, youth, and families and how the social, economic, and cultural contexts in which children and families live create opportunities for some and barriers for others. Students complete an integrated core curriculum that includes human and child development, family dynamics and interaction patterns, research methods, and interpersonal and professional skills needed to function effectively in the workplace. Core coursework is complemented with a range of elective options that give students a broad, general education as well as specialized knowledge in areas of their choosing. The program of study concludes with a field-based experience (practicum) that enables students to hone practical skills and apply knowledge learned in the classroom in a professional work setting.
Graduate Program
Master's Level
- Theory in Human Development
- Developmental Processes
- Survey of Research in Early Childhood Education
- Child, Family, and Social Policy
- Curriculum and Program Development in Early Childhood Education
- Families of Children with Disabilities
- Parent-Child Relations
- Family Resource Management and Instruction
- Family Theory
- Diversity in Children and Families
- Families and Children Coping with Stress
- Family Life Education Programs
- Practicum in Human Development or Family Studies I and II
- Theories of Family Therapy
- Family Violence
- Action Research in Early Childhood Education
- Research Methods in Child and Family Studies
- Professional Seminar in Child and Family Studies
- Analysis of Teaching for Professional Development
- Professional Internship in Teaching
- Special Topics in Human Development or Family Studies
- Directed Study in Human Development or Family Studies
Doctoral Level
- Adolescent Development in Families
- Survey Design & Analysis
- Seminar in Child Development, Family Studies, and Early Learning
- Advanced Qualitative Research in Human Sciences
- Men and Families
- Women and Families
- Experimental Design and Observational Methods
- Professional Socialization
- KFACS Research Practica I and II
- Advanced Special Topics in Human Development or Family Studies
- Advanced Directed Study in Child and Family Studies
Master's Level
Doctoral Level
The purpose of the Ph.D. degree is to train students for careers in academia, policy, education, practice, or community outreach. We recognize that, regardless of eventual position after graduation, research expertise is vital (quantitative, qualitative, or both). In accomplishing this objective, the doctoral degree in Child and Family Studies prepares students with extensive knowledge of research methodology and statistics, theory and conceptual frameworks, content related to child and family studies, and skills to communicate this knowledge through writing, presentation, and teaching. Our curriculum reflects the development of expertise in one or more of the following areas: (a) development and learning, (b) cross-cultural/cross-context, and (c) risk. The faculty at UT have a range of backgrounds with expertise in each of these areas. One of the strengths of our program is the diversity of viewpoints students are exposed to in learning about individuals and families. A strength of the program is that it that it provides flexibility for students in terms of designing programs that pertain to their goals and background.
CFLE Information
NCFR recognizes schools offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with course work that follows the Standards and Criteria required for approval as a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). NCFR approval allows the school to offer their graduates the opportunity to apply for Provisional Certification using the Abbreviated Application process. The CFLE Checklist represents the courses that meet the CFLE criteria at that school. Students must complete all the courses on a checklist in order to qualify to apply for the CFLE designation through the Abbreviated Application process.
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The master's degree is designed to educate students about the development of children and families in diverse contexts and to lay groundwork for a career in assisting children and families and for doctoral work for thoseThe master's degree is designed to educate students about the development of children and families in diverse contexts and to lay groundwork for a career in assisting children and families and for doctoral work for those who choose to continue their graduate studies. Throughout this program, students construct a broad foundation for understanding how children develop and how families function in today's society. Students acquire skills necessary for the identification of concepts, principles, and underlying assumptions of major theories and conceptual frameworks and their application to research and/or practice. All students are prepared to conceptualize the overall process of research, to communicate information in a scholarly manner to both professional and lay audiences, and to apply problem solving skills to relevant issues and problems in the field. Master's students are encouraged to participate with faculty in professional experiences, including presentations at national meetings, teaching responsibilities, and/or participation in on-going research projects. who choose to continue their graduate studies. Throughout this program, students construct a broad foundation for understanding how children develop and how families function in today's society. Students may choose coursework that can lead to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations. Students acquire skills necessary for the identification of concepts, principles, and underlying assumptions of major theories and conceptual frameworks and their application to research and/or practice. All students are prepared to conceptualize the overall process of research, to communicate information in a scholarly manner to both professional and lay audiences, and to apply problem solving skills to relevant issues and problems in the field. Master's students are encouraged to participate with faculty in professional experiences, including presentations at national meetings, teaching responsibilities, and/or participation in on-going research projects