All three emphases in Family and Child Studies prepare students to work as professionals serving families and children, or to pursue secondary teaching certification in Family and Consumer Science. All emphases provide a foundation for graduate study.
The School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences participates in an interdisciplinary major in early childhood studies and an interdisciplinary minor in gerontology.
This emphasis provides career enhancement for students who have prior work experience with individuals and/or families, or who plan to pursue a career in secondary education, or higher education in family and child studies and related fields. It is advised as a preparation for advanced degrees in related fields with a research rather than a service focus.
Students hoping to do graduate work should strongly consider a minor in sociology, psychology, or political science.
A complete description of the degree requirements is given in the Family and Child Studies section of the undergraduate catalog.
This emphasis is intended for students who seek entry-level employment in family service, mental health, or community welfare agencies which serve primarily older children, adolescents, adults, couples, and/or the elderly. It is advised as preparation for advanced degrees in social work, family and child studies, marriage and family therapy, and related fields.
Students not meeting the requirements for entry into the internship may, with the consent of the department, change to Emphasis 1, Family and Individual Development, in order to complete graduation requirements.
Students hoping to do graduate work should strongly consider a minor in sociology, psychology, or political science.
A complete description of the degree requirements is given in the Family and Child Studies section of the undergraduate catalog.
This emphasis provides preparation for professionals who serve infants, toddlers and young children and their parents in parent-child programs both home- and community based, in programs for parents and expectant parents, in child-life programs, early intervention, early childhood education, and in leadership/advocacy positions. It is advised as preparation for advanced degrees in child development, family and child studies, and related fields.
A complete description of the degree requirements is given in the Family and Child Studies section of the undergraduate catalog.
Address written inquiries to:
Aimee D. Prawitz, Coordinator
Family and Child Studies
School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2857
(815) 753-6344
aprawitz@niu.edu
To arrange for an appointment with an advisor, contact the College of Health and Human Sciences office at (815) 753-1891.