What can I do with this minor?

A family studies minor complements most majors. It focuses on the context of the family to illustrate the principles in many majors. For example, nursing takes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the whole person. Family studies can extend and amplify this focus by concentrating on health in the context of the family. Similarly, education also concentrates on the interaction of the learning/teaching environment with the home environment. This provides a natural connection to family studies. Thus, students can use the minor to direct the precepts of the major specifically toward the context of the family.

Why must all family studies minors take the capstone seminar?

The capstone seminar allows students to really focus on their area of interest and pull all the information about their major and minor together. Further, the seminar requires students to think synthetically in an interdisciplinary fashion. This is good preparation for most workplaces, which expect employees to integrate many disciplines.

How do you find out who is teaching the capstone seminar?

The capstone seminar is taught by the director of the Family Studies program. Currently that is Dr. Astrida Kaugars, psychology. You can contact Dr. Kaugars by phone at (414) 288-3665 or by email at astrida.kaugars@marquette.edu.

Can I take a class that’s not on the list?

Yes, if you find a class that deals with family issues that is not on the family studies list, check with the FS director and get it approved for your program.

Do you have to declare the minor?

Yes. Download and complete the Add or Change a Minor: Undergraduate form and follow its instructions.