| 6.29 |
Family Social Sciences |
Head: K. A. Duncan
General Office: 204 Human Ecology Building
Telephone: (204) 474 9225
Fax: (204) 474 7592
E-mail: family_social_sciences@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/human_ecology/grad_fs.html
Academic Staff
Program Information
Focusing on issues that influence health, well-being and family relations, the Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Family Social Sciences provides a strong research foundation in family psychosocial health. We study family issues from a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates psychological, sociological and economic theory and research.
A Master’s degree in Family Social Sciences prepares graduates for positions in fields such as health promotion, policy analysis, community development, health research, human services administration, program development, and victim services.
Areas of Study
The graduate program is organized around four major areas of study. Each student selects one area in which to focus both course work and a research thesis.
Developmental Health is concerned with the determinants of healthy development throughout life and the implications for prevention and health promotion. Health is broadly defined as social, psychological and physical. The determinants of health are considered in the context of families as they interact with communities and societies.
Family Resource Management is focused on the interface between families and their resources - time, energy and money. The interaction of families with societal systems in the economy is emphasized, as are issues that affect family well-being, such as managing stress, making decisions and resolving problems.
Family Violence and Conflict Resolution surveys the prevalence, incidence, etiology, and consequences of conflict and violence in family relationships across the life span. Risk and protective factors at the individual, family, community, and societal levels are studied, with an emphasis on violence prevention and conflict mediation.
Inner City Families and Communities is designed to increase student knowledge of issues, perspectives and dynamics of individuals and their interactions in families and communities within the inner city.
Fields of Research
Faculty in the Department of Family Social Sciences use a variety of research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative. We support observational, interview and survey research, as well as analysis of large data sets and case studies. Through our network of community partnerships, we support community-based research. We have well-equipped observational and computer facilities.
Research interests of the faculty reflect the four major areas of study in Family Social Sciences.
- Developmental Health: parent-child relations, parenting and public policy, social and emotional development, developmental psychopathology, sibling relations, aging, death and dying
- Family Resource Management: work and family, bankruptcy, gambling, home-based business, consumer economics, financial counselling, time use, economic value of household production, family problem solving, managerial decision making
- Family Violence and Conflict Resolution: domestic violence, child maltreatment and exploitation, abuse and neglect of the elderly, children’s exposure to conflict and violence, conflict management
- Inner City Families and Communities: healthy communities, housing policy, homelessness, street-involved youth, community development, neighbourhoods
M.Sc. in Family Social Sciences
Admission
In addition to the minimum admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar, a grade point average of 3.25 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study and a grade point average of 3.25 in at least 30 credit hours of 3000- and 4000-level courses are required for entry to the program.
Students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field will be considered for entry at the Master's level. Students with a three-year degree will be required to enter at the Pre-Master's level. Contact the department for information.
Application Deadlines
Students may begin on 1 September or 1 January in a given year. For admission, complete applications from Canadian/U.S. students should be received in the department by June 1 for September start or October 1 for January start. Non-Canadian complete applications should be received in the department by December 15 for September start or May 15 for January start.
Program Requirements
Minimum Program requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies are found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar. Students are required to complete: 6 credit hours of statistics/research methods from the department-approved list, 6 credit hours of foundation courses in one area of study at the 7000 level in the Department of Family Social Sciences, 6 additional credit hours at the 7000 level within the Department, or 3 at the 7000 level within the Department and 3 at the 5000 level (or higher) outside the department, and a research thesis.
As the content of some courses may vary and not all courses may be scheduled in a given year, students should consult the department for more specific details. Supplementary regulations can be obtained from the department.
Second language reading requirement: none
Expected time to graduate: two years.
Foundation Course Requirements
The required 6 credit hours of foundation courses for each area of study must be selected as follows:
Course
Number
|
Title
|
Credit
Hours |
Developmental Health Area
two of: |
| FMLY 7600 |
Parent-Child Relationships
|
3 |
| FMLY 7610 |
Aging and Families
|
3 |
| FMLY 7620 |
Children and Violence |
3 |
| Family Resource Management Area |
FMLY 7230
and either: |
Work and Family Interrelationships
|
3 |
FMLY 7010
or
FMLY 7220 |
Seminar in Family Finance
Management of Family Stress
|
3
3 |
| Family Violence and Conflict Resolution Area
|
FMLY 7800
and
FMLY 7810 |
Family Violence
Conflict and Mediation in Families |
3 |
| Inner City Families and Communities Area |
FMLY 7900
and
FMLY 7910
|
Understanding the Inner City: Processes and Dynamics
Understanding the Inner City: Issues and Perspectives |
3
3 |
