Master of Science [M.S] [Child and Family Studies (Concentration in Family Gerontology)] From Ohio University

The Child and Family Studies graduate program offers a more in-depth study of children, adults, and families along the life span. The program prepares individuals who are interested in studying and/or working with families in many settings, including human and social service agencies, and programs for youth, adolescents, and elders. The program focuses on family dynamics, how individuals within the family contribute to and are shaped by these dynamics, and how broad societal contexts influence individual and family functioning.

Program Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate their theoretical and practical knowledge about current approaches to helping people in their chosen field within the profession;
• Acquire increasingly complex intellectual skills by demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the intricate cognitive, emotional and physiological interactions that govern human relationships;
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the research process, including the analysis, synthesis, and critical integration of data into a professional research format.

Family Gerontology

This concentration focuses on aging within the context of families, more specifically the implications, support needs, and outcomes for adults and their family members as they age and the quality of their relationships across the life course. Child and Family Studies students who choose this concentration also will receive a graduate gerontology certificate to help them better prepare for careers advocating for and helping older adults and their family members. With this concentration, students typically seek employment working with mid to later life adults and their family members or pursue graduate work in such areas as marriage and family therapy, social work, human development and family studies, rehabilitation services, and public/community health.