Bachelor of Science in Family Studies & Gerontology 

Earning a degree while working full-time or raising a family has never been more possible. Here’s why adult students are thriving and reaching their goals at SNU:

• Classes take place one night a week or entirely online.
• Students focus on one class at a time to ensure true mastery and prevent overwhelm.
• You can earn up to 30 hours of college credit for what you already know.
• Earn up to 9 hours of college credit from field-specific credentials, certifications, or other professional development.
• Students study alongside other adults in similar stages of life.
• Instructors with vast amounts of industry experience guide students through courses.
• Textbooks are delivered directly to your door at the beginning of each class.
• A dedicated student success advisor guides students through the duration of your studies.

A community, social, and human services specialist works within a variety of organizations, from government to non-profit organizations, in a myriad of fields and settings, providing support, assistance, programs, services, care, resources, activities, education, information, oversight, enrichment, and well-being best practices for individuals of all ages in need.

This degree prepares individuals to make a positive difference in the world, addressing the concerns and needs that people face while doing so more creatively and intentionally. FSG graduates are encouraged to critically assess life issues through the lens of hope and opportunity to make a difference. FSG graduates are often the most extraordinary human beings working on behalf of others.

Government organizations, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations all hire community human social service specialists.

Jobs of all kinds in the context of Advocacy, Support Services, Relief Services, Community Outreach, Individual and Family Services, Residential Care Facilities, Rehabilitation Services, Education, and Practical Ministry Services.

As of May 2023, the average salary for community, social, and human services specialists is around $52,000 annually.

The Family Studies and Gerontology degree provides a strong academic foundation for the pursuit of a graduate degree and equips individuals to help others across their entire lifespan, which is a beautiful bonus for those who see their profession as an extended practical side of our calling to care for others for Holy Kingdom purposes.

In the Bachelor of Science in Family Studies & Gerontology program at SNU, you can expect a well-rounded education focused on family dynamics and aging. The program integrates courses in human development, gerontology, and family systems, equipping students with the skills needed to work with both families and older adults. SNU’s unique emphasis on ethics, service, and faith-based learning enhances students' understanding of these fields. Additionally, you’ll gain practical experience through a practicum, preparing for careers across the lifespan in family services,  lifecare and well being, and aging-related professions.

In this program, learners are covered in prayer daily since they are specifically preparing and becoming equipped to meet the needs of those who are most frequently fragile, vulnerable, and in the greatest need.

This program costs $475 per credit hour, with 36 hours totaling $17,100 plus the cost of books.

All FSG learners are encouraged to network with their instructors who are experts in their professional fields. In addition, FSG learners are required to complete a practicum learning experience that directly connects them to the professional area of their greatest interest. We encourage learners to network and use this as an opportunity to explore professionally. Learners frequently walk away from a successful practicum experience with recommendations for graduate school and/or possible career opportunities.

This particular degree is personally affirming due to the nature of the course of study, as it stretches learners intellectually, emotionally, interpersonally, and spiritually. Learners are often prepared for academic studies but are unexpectedly surprised by the personal therapeutic nature of the study and academic process. Specifically, for the learner who leans into this educational pursuit, it is frequently described as life-changing and personally transformative.

Age is just a number. If you are ready to take on the challenge and believe that you are being called to this academic pursuit, then you have arrived at this moment right on time. So, smile, take the first step, and embrace the adventure!

Yes! This is a study of the complete human lifespan from conception to the end of life. Most of the courses, by design, will allow you to explore your specific interest within the context of the course being studied. For example, when you are studying Death, Grief, and Loss, you may want to look at the implications of Death, Grief, and Loss specifically as they apply to children since that is your population of interest specifically.

1. When you read through the listing of courses, most of the courses seem to speak to the very heart of what you care most about, and that is people.

2. You realize more fully that you want to become better equipped to help people in your family, neighborhood, community, and in the nature of your day-to-day professional work, through the most challenging times of life.

3. You like the idea that when questions and requests for help come your way, you will be able to provide real help and assistance and, therefore, often change the trajectory of a person's life. You really want to make a difference in the lives of others, those you love, care about and connect with while utilizing best practices.

Credit hours: 3
This course focuses on early development—conception through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical, psychological and social processes that form the foundation upon which development rests.

Credit hours: 2
This course examines adult learning theory and various learning styles. The course provides a model that is used to analyze life experience.

Credit hours: 2
This course examines interpersonal communication and the factors that influence its effectiveness in professional, family, and personal relationships.

Credit hours: 3
This course provides a study of development from young adulthood through later life. An introduction to the field of gerontology is also given.

Credit hours: 2
This course studies the origin, development, functions, and problems of the basic social institution of our culture—the family. A systems approach is used to study the relationships and dynamics of family functioning.

Credit hours: 0
This seminar examines the social, economic, and legal services that are relevant to the family and later life adults. Special coverage will be given to the availability of public and private resources. This seminar lays the foundational framework for the practicum in a community setting and the research component. 

Credit hours: 3
This course provides a survey and application of the basic data analysis methods used in the process of evaluation, including a study of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Credit hours: 3
This course combines the relevant principles and techniques of counseling and is designed to develop counseling competency.

Credit hours: 3
This course provides study of the Bible as a foundation to an understanding of Western culture and history. The course also explores the Relevance of the Bible to modern day life.

Credit hours: 3
This course examines the various crises and transitions which a family can experience throughout its various stages, as well as the dynamics of relationships and coping strategies for times of transition and crisis.

Credit hours: 2
This course examines management styles and supervisory principles relevant to the administration of programs for the family and aging individuals.

Credit hours: 2
This course examines the techniques for assessing the physical, mental, social, and emotional status of the adult in later life. Emphasis will be given to the development of appropriate methods for optimizing the functioning of the aging individual.

Credit hours: 2
This course explores the modern concepts of death and loss in contemporary society. The course examines the symptoms of grief and loss, and available coping strategies.

Credit hours: 3
This capstone course examines various theories of man and their relevance to personal and social values. The course provides the basis to formulate or clarify a philosophy of life that is consistent with the demands of a responsible lifestyle in the contemporary world.

Credit hours: 3
This intensive, field experience-based learning opportunity begins in the Intro. to Social Services Seminar and through independent sequential study, spans the final two thirds of the FSG program of study.  Focus is given to a unique learner specific hands on experiential learning opportunity incorporating a practicum research component, providing a more relevant and meaningful course of study.