Department of Family Studies and Community Development

The Department of Family Studies and Community Development was founded on the belief that the family is the fundamental unit in contemporary society. Support of healthy family functioning strengthens individual, group, and societal functioning. The department offers the opportunity to study individual and family development, dynamics within families, and the interactions between the family and the larger social context.

Undergraduate students who major in family studies have a choice of four different tracks: Family and Human Services, Services to Children and Youth, Child Life, and Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector. Family studies graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in school settings, social service agencies, child and adult day-care centers, alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers, child and domestic abuse programs and shelters, hospitals, and other agencies that provide services to individuals and families.

• Family Studies Major
• Careers

Depending on the course of study, students are prepared for certification in three areas: Family Life Educator, Child Life, and American Humanics. The academic coursework also provides the foundation for graduate study in social, behavioral, and health sciences or for advanced professional training in counseling, psychology, social work, law, medicine, and the allied health professions, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy. The department offers several graduate programs.

• Professional Certifications
• Child Life, Administration and Family Collaboration (M.S.)
• Family-Professional Collaboration (PBC)
• Building Relationships with Families Professional Development Program

For students who would like to study families along with their major focus of study, a minor in family studies is offered. This program fits nicely for students studying in health professions, liberal arts, and education.

• Family Studies Minor

The department collaborates with community agencies to sponsor workshops and professional and family education. Annual events include a Disability Awareness Workshop, a Supervisor Training Workshop, and a workshop in partnership with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on relevant issues for families living with childhood cancer.

• Workshops and Conferences

Department of Family Studies and Community Development
Linthicum Hall, Room 002
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-5851
Fax: 410-704-3612
E-mail: fmst@towson.edu

A child life undergraduate intern engages a child in medical play. Hear more about the child life program.

	• On-line and mail-in registration forms for the January 8, 2010 Supervisor Training Workshop are available. Please visit Workshops and Conferences. • View the FMST Fall 2009 Class Schedule (PDF) • View the FMST Spring 2010 Class Schedule (PDF) • CLA Events