Intensive independent scholarship or training in family sciences. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits.

Supervised internship and capstone course for seniors in a community, educational, Cooperative Extension, and/or research setting. Emphasis on observation, teaching, conceptualizing research problems, and developing competencies in providing service at the individual, family, and/or community level. Students will be required to assist in designing, implementing, and evaluating research and programs related to family life. Presentations, research papers, outside speakers, and career guidance will be significant course components along with the laboratory hours.

Advanced study of typical family functioning across the family life course from a family process perspective, including examination of how "normal" differs according to family culture, structure, and history.

Individual, family, and societal growth and change through the life span are examined using a life course perspective. The life course perspective emphasizes the interplay of human development, agency, linked lives, historical context, and timing of events. These five interlocking concepts will be understood through reading life course research and applying life course principles and concepts to issues in family sciences.

A survey of theories and methods used in couple and family therapy. Designed to provide students with a knowledge of the theoretical bases for couple and family therapy, including an introduction to procedures used to assess, diagnose and treat couple and family dysfunctions.

Phases of couple and family therapy process are presented both in theory and in case study analysis. The present problem, history of the problem, family history, identification of dysfunctional dynamics, goals, plan of treatment, and outcome/evaluation are emphasized within the context of organization family therapy and phases of family therapy.

Field training in a community setting related to family sciences to develop competencies in program planning, delivery, and evaluation. Student will work under the supervision of a faculty and a training site supervisor. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Half-time to full-time work on thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.

Half-time to full-time work on dissertation. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.

Residency credit for dissertation research after the qualifying examination. Students may register for this course in the semester of the qualifying examination. A minimum of two semesters are required as well as continuous enrollment (Fall and Spring) until the dissertation is completed and defended.