| |  | | Family Social Science | Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information—Department of
Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, 290 McNeal
Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
(612-625-3116
or 612-625-1900; fax 612-625-4227; fsosgrad@umn.edu;
http://fsos.che.umn.edu/graduate.html).
Along with the program-specific requirements
listed below, please read the General
Information section of this catalog for
Graduate School requirements that apply to
all major fields.
Curriculum—The program of study uses methods of social science to examine family systems and their interactions with various environments. The curriculum supports study in several broad theme areas: family economic well-being, families and mental health, family diversity, and relationships and development across the life span.
Prerequisites for Admission—A strong applicant to the master's program will have two family courses; at least one course in economics, political science, government, or public policy; one course in sociology or anthropology; one psychology course; one course in statistics or research methods; experience working with families through paid employment or volunteer work; and interest in developing competence in research. A strong applicant to the doctoral program will have all requirements for the master's program plus three additional social or behavioral science courses and two additional statistics or research methods courses. It is important that students, especially those applying for the Ph.D. program, present evidence of interest in research and that they have experience working with families through paid employment or volunteer work. Occasionally, the graduate faculty admits a student who lacks one or more required courses with the understanding that the missing course(s) will be made up prior to entering the program or in the first year of graduate work.
The marriage and family therapy program is accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Admission to the program is available only to doctoral students with a clinical master's degree. Students cannot earn a clinical master's degree in the Department of Family Social Science.
Students may apply for admission to the Ph.D. program after completing either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a bachelor's degree are expected to fulfill the requirements for an M.A. degree in the process of working toward the Ph.D.
Special Application Requirements—Consult
the Family Social Science Graduate Program
Handbook or the director of graduate studies.
The Graduate Program Handbook and all materials
needed for the application process may be
found at http://fsos.che.umn.edu/graduate/admissions_orientation.html.
Applicants for the doctoral program and Plan A master's program are reviewed only once per year. The application deadline is December 15 for admission fall semester of the following year. Applications for the Plan B master's program are considered once they are complete, and students may begin graduate study the semester after the application is approved.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, MELAB).
 For an online application or for more information about Graduate School admissions, see the General Information section in this catalog, or visit the Graduate School Web site.
Courses—Please refer to Family Social Science (FSOS) in University Courses for courses pertaining to the program.
Use of 4xxx Courses—Students from other majors may take courses with instructor approval and include them on their degree programs subject to their own program's approval. 4xxx courses counted on graduate programs must be taught by a member of the graduate faculty and must include assignments that are at the graduate level. |
M.A. Degree Requirements | | The M.A. program is offered under Plan A and Plan B. Plan A requires at least 30 credits, including at least 20 course credits, of which 6 credits are outside the department in a related field, and 10 thesis credits. The Plan A master's is recommended for students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. degree.
Plan B requires at least 30 credits, including at least 26 course credits, of which 6 credits are outside the department in a related field, and at least 4 credits for a Plan B project. It is for students who wish to further their education so that they may hold positions of responsibility serving families. Although the instruction is based on research, the Plan B degree is not intended to provide intensive research training. The Plan B program is understood to be a terminal degree and is not recommended for students who intend to pursue the Ph.D. degree. Consult the department for the most current information.
Language Requirements—None.
Final Exam—The final exam is oral.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—Master's students must complete at least 6 credits of 5xxx or 8xxx in family social science. All courses must be taken A-F and completed with a GPA of at least 3.00. | Ph.D. Degree Requirements | Courses in the Ph.D. degree program must contribute to an organized program of study and research. The program includes at least 72 credits beyond the master's degree, including 48 course credits and 24 dissertation credits. Coursework includes at least 12 credits in a minor or supporting program; 24 credits in one of the two designated specializations of family science or marriage and family therapy; and 12 credits in core family content and advanced research methods. An optional teaching internship program is recommended for students who are planning for careers in higher education.
Language Requirements—None.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—A doctoral minor requires at least 12 credits of 8xxx courses in family social science. All courses for the minor must be taken A-F and completed with a GPA of at least 3.00. |
Faculty | | For latest graduate faculty listings, see <www.grad.umn.edu/faculty_rosters/faculty.html>. Key to membership categories (abbreviations after faculty names).
Professor
Jean W. Bauer, SM
Shirley L. Baugher, ASM
Pauline E. Boss (emeritus), ASM
Rose M. Brewer, African American and African Studies, AM2
Sharon M. Danes, SM
Daniel F. Detzner, ASM
William J. Doherty, SM
Ann W. Garwick, Nursing, AM2
Harold D. Grotevant, SM
M. Janice Hogan (emeritus), ASM
James W. Maddock (emeritus), ASM
B. Jan McCulloch, SM
Kathryn D. Rettig, SM
Paul C. Rosenblatt, SM
Marlene S. Stum, SM
William L. Turner, SM
Associate Professor
Joan M. Patterson, Psychiatry, ASM
Beatrice E. Robinson, Family Medicine and Community Health, AM2
Martha A. Rueter, SM
Catherine A. Solheim, M2
Elizabeth Wieling, SM
Blong Xiong, AM2
Virginia S. Zuiker, SM
Assistant Professor
Jodi B. Dworkin, M2
Tai J. Mendenhall, Family Medicine and Community Health, AM2
Lecturer
Wayne A. Caron, M2
William J. Goodman, M2
Senior Fellow
Martha F. Erickson, AM2
Research Associate
Gretchen E. Wrobel, AM2
Other
Patricia Olson, Minnesota Extension Services Director, M2 | | | | | |
