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CIP 19.0704 Family and Consumer Sciences

Family Systems

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

350

2025 · 13 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Bachelor's degrees

320

0.0% international

Master's degrees

28

0.0% international

Overview

Family Systems is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on understanding the dynamics of family relationships and interactions. This area of study is rooted in systems theory, which views the family as a complex, interrelated system where changes in one part affect the whole. The Family Systems approach emphasizes the importance of communication patterns, roles, and behavioral tendencies within families, as well as how external factors impact family dynamics.

Students pursuing a degree in Family Systems typically explore various topics, including family therapy, conflict resolution, parenting styles, and the influence of culture and society on family life. The curriculum often includes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates to work in diverse settings such as counseling, social work, education, and community services.

Professionals in this field utilize various therapeutic approaches to address issues such as mental health, addiction, and interpersonal conflicts within families. They aim to help families understand their relational patterns and learn healthier ways of communication and problem-solving. Additionally, Family Systems theory is frequently applied in research, policy-making, and advocacy efforts to improve family well-being and support systems.

Overall, the Family Systems field is vital for fostering healthy family relationships and addressing the complex challenges that families face in contemporary society. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate positive change within families and communities.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 61% and the international share went from 0.3% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
69.1%
Asian
1.1%
Hispanic
8.9%
Black
14.3%
Other
6.6%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 13 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#116 Brigham Young University-Provo Utah 131 0
#148 University of Kentucky Kentucky 1 0
#227 Ball State University Indiana 40 0
#250 Lipscomb University Tennessee 6 0
#262 Central Michigan University Michigan 6 0
#276 Western Michigan University Michigan 8 0
#308 University of Southern Mississippi Mississippi 73 0
— Weber State University Utah 42 0
— Central Washington University Washington 20 0
— Lubbock Christian University Texas 8 0
— Southern Adventist University Tennessee 5 0
— Towson University Maryland 1 0
— East Mississippi Community College Mississippi 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Farm and Home Management Educators 8,220 $29.35 $61,060
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 2,770 — $81,940

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.