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Bachelor of Science in Family Studies & Gerontology 

Learn to transform our society by maximizing their knowledge of human development, social services, aging, and family dynamics.

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Bachelor of Science in Family Studies & Gerontology
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Program Overview

Professionals educated in Family Studies and Gerontology will play a pivotal role in our transforming society. Americans are aging and living longer, and young families are also caught in this sea of change. Whether you want to change or advance your career, you can make an impact in this field. 

By attending class one night a week, students can earn a bachelor’s degree while learning about family dynamics and relationships, the processes of development and aging, and the social service resources available in contemporary society. 

If you’ve earned some college credit and are ready to reach your goals, complete the information form to be contacted by one of our enrollment counselors. 

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5
week course format
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7
start dates per year
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Graduate in as few as
18 months
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36
total credit hours
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$450
per credit hour
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Learn entirely online or on campus one night a week

Request More Info

Fill out the form below and an enrollment counselor will reach out!

 

How it Works

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.
colleagues
  • "The model of prayer and having devotionals and having teachers that are available, a chaplain that is available at your leisure and is there to help you with your own self-care as an adult definitely helped sway my decision toward SNU"
    Dorsey Ramsey
    B.S. Family Studies and Gerontology & M.S. Counseling Psychology
  • "Being able to attend an educational institution that genuinely understands the importance of life, family, and faith is a blessing, and I'm very proud to say that I am a Southern Nazarene University alum today"
    Nina S
    B.S. Family Studies and Gerontology

    Courses

    The Family Studies and Gerontology curriculum is designed to maximize your knowledge of human development, social services, aging, and family dynamics so you can provide the best service to others after graduation. 

    HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

    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.

    PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    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.

    FAMILY COMMUNICATION

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

    ADULTHOOD & AGING

    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.

    FAMILY: DYNAMICS & STRUCTURE

    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.

    INTRO TO SOCIAL SERVICES SEMINAR

    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. 

    DATA ANALYSIS METHODS

    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.

    INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING

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

    BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES IN WESTERN CULTURE

    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.

    FAMILY: COPING WITH CRISES

    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.

    INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

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

    ASSESSMENT AND WELLNESS

    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.

    DEATH, GRIEF & LOSS

    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.

    PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL: ETHICS AND VALUES

    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.

    SOCIAL SERVICES RESOURCES/PRACTICUM

    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.

    Upcoming Start Dates

    Wednesday, March 27, 2024
    Online
    Thursday, March 28, 2024
    Bethany
    Monday, August 12, 2024
    Bethany
    Monday, August 12, 2024
    Tulsa
    Wednesday, August 14, 2024
    Online

    Meet the Program Director

    Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin

    Family Studies & Gerontology

    I have worked with SNU for most of my adult professional life. Through the years, I have held various positions and been blessed to have learned much from colleagues and learners alike. I have been provided immeasurable opportunities and have made many cherished memories. In many respects, higher education and SNU has truly become my home away from home. I believe that the gift of working in higher education has certainly been a worthwhile place for me to invest a full measure of my life. In my world away from SNU, one will find a loving husband, grown children, grandchildren, extended family, and many precious friends.

    Read MoreDown Red Angle

    There is a thought that I treasure that has influenced me deeply by John Wesley. Wesley is attributed to having cultivated the idea of faith-mentoring pairs and twin souls in relation to the spiritual journey. It has been written that John Wesley "discovered what Italian author Lucian de Crescenzo knew: 'We are, each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly embracing each other'" (Tracy, 2003, p. 19). In our mission in higher education, we have the privilege and great honor to come alongside our adult learners for only a short season but it is my earnest prayer that in our season together, we will help our learners find their other wing and be provided the opportunity to fly.

    Read LessUp Red Angle

    Admissions

    Enrolling at SNU is a simple process. With rolling start dates, there’s no need to wait months at a time to begin your educational journey. Plus, our generous transfer policy, enhanced advanced standing, and prior learning assessment can shorten your path to graduation. Once you are ready, take the following steps:

    Step 1. Apply online at degrees.snu.edu/apply

    Step 2. Complete your FAFSA at fafsa.gov using school code 003149

    Step 3. Send official transcripts from any colleges you have attended to SNU at pgsadmissions@snu.edu or ATTN: SNU PGS Admissions, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008.

    You will be contacted regarding any supporting materials we may need. Upon acceptance, your student success advisor will help you enroll and prepare for success as an adult student at SNU.

    Locations

    Online

    Online classes are specially
    designed for professional &
    graduate studies.
    Phone: +1 (405) 491-6332
    pgs@snu.edu

    Bethany Campus

    6729 NW 39th Expressway
    Bethany, OK 73008
    Phone: +1 (405) 491-6332
    pgs@snu.edu

     

    Tulsa Campus

    8210 E. Regal Ct.
    Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
    Phone: +1 (918) 664-4100
    pgs@snu.edu

    Program Resources

    Blog-117-SNU-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-fsg-practicum

    BLOG

    All You Need to Know about the FSG Practicum

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    Careers in Family Studies and Gerontology

    BLOG

    Careers You Can Have with a Family Studies and Gerontology Degree

    View Now >
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    BLOG

    Work with the Elderly Outside of Retirement Homes

    View Now >
    PLA resource

    VIDEO

    Earn Credit for Life Experience

    Watch Now >
    FSG Career Roadmap Cover Resized 2

    EBOOK

    The Ultimate Career Roadmap for FSG Graduates

    Read Now >
    SNU - Financial Aid Guide Cover-1

    EBOOK

    The Complete Guide to Financial Aid

    Read Now >

    Text With an Enrollment Counselor

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    Request More Information

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