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Bachelor of Applied Science
Family and Human Services
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> ... Certificates & Degrees Overview > Degree List > Bachelor's of Family and Human Services
BYU-Idaho + BYU-Pathway

The bachelor’s degree in family and human services prepares students for careers in family life education, human services, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, and youth services. Through this program, students will learn principles and skills pertaining to healthy family functioning, including skills related to communication and conflict management. Students will also develop skills pertaining to effective advocacy, problem solving, and basic social science research.

This degree is developed and granted by BYU-Idaho, with support and resources coming from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

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Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

  • Communicate effectively
  • Problem-solve at individual and group levels
  • Employ basic research skills
  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge regarding healthy relationships
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bachelor of Science of Family and Human Services

Program requirements

Degrees are built by selecting three certificates, which are typically made up of five courses each. Our recommended plans are designed to lead to better job opportunities. To earn a bachelor’s degree, you will complete three certificates plus additional requirements:

Family & Human Services Path

Steps to your Bachelor's Degree in Family and Human Services

If getting a better job is not your primary focus, there are other certificate options available.

Recommended General Education Courses
Each degree has a set of recommended general education courses.

Core

Course CodeCourse Name# of Credits
ENG 150Writing and Reasoning Foundations3
ENG 301Advanced Writing and Research3
MATH 108xMath for the Real World3
GE 103Online University Success1

Natural Sciences

Course CodeCourse Name# of Credits
PUBH 132Personal Health and Wellness3
GESCI 110Sustaining Human Life3

Art & Humanities

Course CodeCourse Name# of Credits
HUM 110Discovery and Discernment Through the Arts3

Social Science

Course CodeCourse Name# of Credits
FCS 160Home and Family Resource Management3
PEACE 101Conflict and Peace3

Religion (plus an additional 6 credits)

Course CodeCourse Name# of Credits
REL 200CThe Eternal Family2
REL 225CFoundations of the Restoration2
REL 250CJesus Christ Everlasting Gospel2
REL 275CTeachings and Doctrines of the Book of Mormon2

Previously earned course credits from PathwayConnect and/or other colleges and universities will be evaluated after a student is admitted and submits valid transcripts.

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Looking Ahead
Potential Employment
In the United States, a master's degree could be required in this field before higher paying jobs could be expected. Some mid-range positions could be obtained in the following areas:

  • Social and community services
  • Family mediation
  • Parent education
  • Family issues and child advocacy

Why choose this degree?

The bachelor’s degree in family and human services has a strong emphasis on the development of employable skills. Specifically, the marriage and family studies degree emphasizes effective communication, professional writing, teaching skills, synthesizing research, basic data analysis, problem-solving, conflict resolution, persuasive speaking and writing, and other interpersonal and leadership skills. These skills can help students obtain employment in a variety of work settings, including but not limited to human services, parent education, and child advocacy. Additionally, these skills assist students in establishing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships-especially in the family. This degree will provide students with an extensive understanding of family systems and relationships.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.