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Marriage & Family Studies Dale Bertram, Chair ACU Box, 29439 Abilene, Texas 79699-9439 Biblical Studies Building 270 Phone: 325-674-3778 Fax: 325-674-3749 Email: deb12a@acu.edu Faculty Dale Bertram, Professor D. Greg Brooks, Assistant Professor Kayla Mennenga, Assistant Professor Heidi Morris, Adjunct Faculty Steve Wages, Associate Professor Major: Child and Family Services (BS) Minor: Child and Family Services The Department of Marriage and Family Studies offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Services. A minor in Child and Family Services may be added to other majors. The Department also offers the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy. See the Graduate School section of this catalog (page 128). Introduction The mission of the Department of Marriage and Family Studies is to equip students to strengthen family relationships and solve personal and relational problems through child and family services or therapeutic intervention (at the graduate level) while cultivating Christian leadership and character in each student. The undergraduate program in Child and Family Services contributes to this mission through: • Emphasizing the formation of healthy relationships and the promotion of optimal human development; • Examining current research and theory regarding the normal issues with which individuals and families must content as they grow and evolve; • Creating opportunities for students to design, implement, and evaluate family life education programs; and • Providing diverse practicum experiences that prepare students for future employment. The graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy contributes to this mission through: • Emphasizing a Christocentric view of human nature and personal/relational problems within a context of diversity; • Providing a diverse clinical training experience; • Encouraging development of a professional identity by fostering involvement in the profession of marriage and family therapy; and • Creating a culture of research. The Department is committed to attaining high standards in education while offering personal guidance to students regarding their life choices. Marriage and Family Studies faculty members have academic degrees and professional experience in such areas as community services, marriage and family therapy, gerontology, research, administration, family life education, ministry, organizational development, group leadership, business consulting, family violence, and healthcare services. Study Abroad Expectations All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad
program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year. Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) The Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Family Services is designed to equip students to serve the needs of children and families in a variety of community settings. For those with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives, the program equips students to provide social services and educational programs designed to improve the functioning of children and their families, to help strengthen family relationships, and to solve personal and family problems. Taught from a Christian perspective, the program prepares students for a variety of careers serving children and families such as social service providers, family service workers, child life specialists, child and adult protective service providers, youth services and program directors, child development center directors, and family life educators. The Child and Family Services major requirements examine ten content or subject areas prescribed by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Students use recommended electives to build a specific area of study or concentration based on their professional interests such as child life, marriage and family, counseling, child and family ministry, gerontology, etc. Upon graduation, students will have completed the course content necessary to take the NCFR Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) examination if desired. Majors in Child and Family Services should be people-oriented, sensitive to the concerns of children and families, effective in communication and listening skills, and strong in potential for leadership and management. Admission into the Child and Family Services Program The Department of Marriage and Family Studies welcomes all who desire to gain knowledge and expertise pertaining to various aspects of child and family services from a Christian perspective. While some may apply their studies in personal or unofficial capacities, many will pursue careers as professionals working with children and families. This is a high calling, demanding high professional standards. We, therefore, require an admission process that usually takes place during the sophomore year. This process, described below, is intended to ensure prospective employers that ACU graduates are equipped for the demands of working with children and family services. Requirements for Admission Students entering ACU as freshmen who wish to major in Child and Family Services will receive candidacy status in the program. In order to be fully admitted to the program, the following criteria must be met: 1. Good standing in the University with at least 45 credit hours completed. 2. Competition of FAM 251, FAM 265, and FAM 285 with a grade of C or better. 3. A cumulative overall GPA of at least 2.25. Any exemptions or modification to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the Chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Studies. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Child and Family Services Admissions and Review Committee. Requirements for Maintaining Program Admission Status In order to remain in the Child & Family Services program, students must meet the following criteria: 1. A grade of C or higher in all major courses. 2. Maintenance of an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher. CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES (BS) BS: CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES DEGREE PLAN (CFS) UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog (page 37).
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS