X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

Family Studies and Human Development (FSHD)

Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

The Family Studies and Human Development major focuses on the development of individuals and families across the lifespan within the context of relationships, and diverse social and cultural influences. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the influence of psychological, social, biological, and economic factors on individual health, well-being, and relationships across the lifespan. Guaranteed practicum placement(s) enable students to gain knowledge and skills appropriate for work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings, completing up to 336 hours of practical experience. Restricted electives allow students to focus their studies on one or more content areas including: (1) Adult Development and Gerontology, (2) Sexuality and Relationships, and (3) Youth Studies.

Through the effective use of elective courses, the core requirements in the major can be supplemented to create a program of study that will prepare graduates for a variety of careers working with individuals and their families. Graduates pursue careers in a variety of settings including family and community service agencies; government; research institutions; health promotion divisions; support services delivery for individuals and their families; health and social care agencies; employee and family assistance programs; and local social planning councils. Many graduates go on to pursue graduate education in fields such as social work, human sexuality, gerontology, public health, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, recreation therapy, family law and mediation, couple and family therapy, education, social policy, and family relations and human development.

Program Requirements

All students in the Family Studies and Human Development major must successfully complete a minimum of 20.00 credits including the core of 11.00 required credits and 1.50 restricted electives from the restricted electives content area lists provided. In addition to the core requirements, there are elective courses from various departments across the University that may be taken. Information about suggested electives that relate to particular careers or areas of interest and requirements for admission to various graduate programs, including Faculties of Education, are available from the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor.

Minors

Students may take one minor in addition to the Family Studies and Human Development major. See the University of Guelph Calendar, Section X, Degree Programs, Specialization and Their Degrees for list of minors: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c10/index.shtml. The 60.00% requirement applies to each major and minor.

Double Counting of Courses

A maximum of 50 percent of the courses applied to a minor may be courses taken in fulfillment of the major where required courses are the same.

Counselling on Minors

The B.A.Sc. program counsellor assists students in the selection of minors, interpreting program and academic regulations. Academic departments offer the minors and assign faculty advisors to assist students with academic planning (e.g., a faculty advisor in the Psychology department handles queries about a minor in Psychology). Students should consult the appropriate faculty advisor, along with the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor, when declaring a minor or requiring advice on the completion of specialization requirements. The list of faculty advisors is available on the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/facultyadvisors or contact the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor for further information.