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Minor in

Family Studies

On-Campus

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Influence Communities with a Family Studies Minor

You can bring stability, hope, and resilience to families and communities through a meaningful career specializing in relationships and human development. The Family Studies Minor at Cornerstone University equips you with practical skills in communication, advocacy, and family support across the lifespan, complementing majors such as psychology, education, social work, sociology, and ministry. Guided by a Christian worldview, this minor prepares you for people-centered careers that help create healthy families, which influence healthy communities.

For more opportunities to advance your career impact, explore our B.S. in Psychology, Bachelor of Social Work, B.A. in Ministry, B.S. in Elementary Education, or B.S. in Early Childhood Education.

Develop Market-Ready Skills with a Family Studies Minor

Gain practical, transferable skills that strengthen your résumé for people-centered careers, including:

Relational Communication – Communicate clearly and empathetically with individuals and families across life stages.

Family Systems Insight – Understand how family dynamics influence behavior, decision-making and well-being.

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Advocacy & Support – Identify needs, connect families to resources and support positive, Christ-centered outcomes.

Lifespan Development – Apply knowledge of child, adult and aging development in real-world contexts.

Critical Thinking – Evaluate social and relational challenges using research-informed perspectives.

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Christian Worldview Integration – Approach family and community work with compassion and a Biblically grounded worldview of service.

Program Courses

Learn the core practices and principles of Family Studies applied to real-world settings.

Family Studies Minor

SOC-111: Intro To Sociology

Introduction to the general field of sociology with an overview of several subfields of sociology. Basic theoretical perspectives of sociology are used to provide an explanation of basic institutions and social processes.

PSY-211: Introduction to Relationships

Explore how relationships form, grow, and end before marriage. Examine key factors like family background, personality, gender, and communication to build healthy, lasting connections.

SOC-432: Sociology of the Family

Examine the family as a social institution by exploring family structures, life cycles and the social changes and challenges affecting families today.

PSY-456: Marriage & Family Counseling

Develop foundational skills in premarital, marital, and family counseling. Explore major theoretical approaches and their practical application in clinical settings.

Students minoring in Family Studies must select three additional courses in the areas of child welfare, gerontology, adult psychology, child & adolescent psychology, personality theories or abnormal psychology.

Students minoring in Family Studies must also take PSY-111 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY to meet one of the Social Science requirements in the core.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

View the Academic Catalog

Enhancing Your Career with a Family Studies Minor

A Family Studies Minor strengthens majors in psychology, education, social work, sociology, and ministry by preparing students for people-centered careers that support individuals and families across the lifespan. Graduates are equipped for roles in human services, community and nonprofit organizations, child and family programs, education settings, and other fields where relational insight, advocacy, and care make a tangible difference in families and communities.

Your Degree Starts Here

Take your next step toward learning at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the nation.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

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MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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