1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Departments and Programs
  4. Family and Consumer Sciences
  5. Majors
  6. Family Life Science

Family Life Science

The Family Life Science (FLS) major is designed based on the standards set by the National Council on Family Relations and the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. Students are equipped to work in a variety of settings and roles including social services, extension services, family intervention support services, community education, government agencies, and family wellness services. The required coursework helps prepare students to take the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) exam. The required minor allows students to develop extra expertise.

Preparing You For Success

Students will develop family life education skills through coursework and internships. The required coursework helps prepare students to take the Certified Family Life Educator exam.

By the time students graduate, experiences may include:

  • At least one internship in family life science. Students have interned for organizations such as University of Illinois Extension, Crittenton Centers, Common Place, Family House and OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
  • Class projects in family and child development, family education, consumer issues and family relationships
  • Professional development and networking through Kappa Omicron Nu (KONu) national honor society membership

Making Your Mark

FLS majors may become family life or child educators, extension program coordinators, or family support professionals. This degree prepares students to enter the workforce after graduation or pursue a graduate degree in a field such as human development and family science, counseling, social work, nonprofit leadership, or education.

Sample Program Plan
Request Info
Apply Now

Major Requirements

Family and Consumer Sciences Core: 12-15 hrs.

  • FCS 100: Family Dynamics - 3 hrs
  • FCS 220: Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
    or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310: Community Program Planning
    and FCS 311: Evaluation and Research Methods
    or FCS 346: FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442: Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience - 0-3 hrs.

  • EHS 301: Cooperative Education Internship.

Required FCS courses - 26 hrs.

  • FCS 103: Food Resource Management - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 203: School Health Promotion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 204: Family Programs Across the Lifespan - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 340: Parent Education- 3 hrs.
  • FCS 341: Human Development through the Lifespan - 3 hrs.
  • FCS Electives – 8-11 hrs.

Required Supporting Courses - 27 hrs.

  • SOC 100: The Sociological Perspective (BCC SB) - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101: Principles of Psychology (BCC SB) - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 111: Elementary Statistics (BCC QR) - 3 hrs.
  • WGS 200: Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies (BCC GP WC MI)
    or SOC 315: Gender & Society (BCC SB) - 3 hrs.
  • SOC 210 Sociology of Families
    or ETE 280: Exploring Diversity: Learners, Families, and Communities (BCC GP WC) – 3 hrs.
  • ENC 370 Human Relations Development – Techniques – 2 hrs.
    and ENC 375: Human Relations Development Laboratory – 1 hr.
  • 9 hours of electives (choose from: ETE 115 (BCC HU MI), NUR 163, PSY 201 (BCC NS), SOC 212, NUR 219, NUR 220, NUR 221, PSY 245, COM 305, PSY 309, SOC 311 (BCC GP WC), SOC 312 (BCC SB), COM 315 (BCC WI), SOC 332, SOC 342, NUR 353, SW 354, SW 335, HS 380 (BCC GP WC))

Required Minor - 18 hrs.

  • There are many options on campus that students can choose from that would align with a variety of family studies professions that would advance a student’s expertise, such as Sociology, Women’s & Gender Studies, and Health.

Open Elective Courses - 14 hrs.