Program Highlights
Our program in Family Studies examines contemporary issues that affect this field: family dynamics and development. The faculty in the Family Studies & Gerontology department will help you understand the field of Family Studies, which focuses on family dynamics and diversity within an increasingly complex society. These studies will help you to understand the trends, challenges and developments in the health and human service delivery system and the disciplines that support it.
Program Options
You can choose to study toward a combined major, a concentration, or a minor in either Family Studies. These programs will complement your studies in other programs such as sociology, psychology, public policy, or women’s studies. As you pursue a program in Family Studies, you will better understand the field and develop your capacity to work in professional environments where a knowledge of family studies or aging is important.
Dynamic and Relevant Courses
You’ll build your teamwork and leadership skills by working on group projects in our diverse selection of courses. Class projects and presentations will help you to develop your interpersonal communication, conflict management, and advocacy skills. The assignments you complete will help you to hone your analytical and intellectual skills, your professional rigour, your leadership, and your social citizenship skills. Our program’s framework is designed to guide you toward a consciousness around social citizenship.
A Flexible Learning Environment
The student body in our programs is diverse — we welcome students of different ages, life experiences, and perspectives on families and aging — and this diversity helps enhance your learning experience. Most of your classes will combine lectures with group discussions on class material so students are able to learn from one another by sharing ideas, personal reflections, and professional experiences.
What can you do with a degree in Family Studies or Gerontology?
Careers in Family Science (NCFR brochure- PDF 2.6 MB)
Exploring Careers in Family Science (NCFR website)
Learn about Careers in Aging (Gerontological Society of America)
Becoming a Teacher?
If you are studying to become a teacher, our programs can help you to achieve that goal. Most of our courses in both Family Studies and Gerontology count toward the Family Studies teachable subject in Nova Scotia schools.