"The online family & community services program is teaching me to observe, evaluate, and assist families using a strengths-based approach. All of my courses have contributed in some way to how I now approach my work and interact with those close to me. I am a better employee, sister, daughter, friend, and mentor because of the online Family and Community Services program!"
Kristen Wearbon, master's student
Why StudyFamily & Community Services Through IDEA?
Our online curriculum prepares you to understand individual, family, interpersonal, and community dynamics across the lifespan. Through this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen your local community by designing, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining quality programs.
Students also learn to empower families during times of transition or stress (e.g., military families, families in poverty) while recognizing the role of diversity (e.g., racial/ethnic, military, religious) in family and community dynamics.
While families and your community will benefit from the knowledge you gain in this program, you will be in an elevated position for promotions and pay increases.
Listen as family and community services professor Ashlie Lester explains who the ideal student for this program is.
Program Formats in Family & Community Services
IDEA offers both an online master's degree and a graduate certificate, allowing you to select the best-fit academic path to meet your goals and advance your career.
Master's Degree in Family & Community Services
The family & community services master’s degree is a 36-credit-hour program offered completely online, providing flexibility for busy adults who don’t have access or time to attend on-campus classes. Students typically finish in two to three years, taking one or two courses each semester.
Human Services Administration Graduate Certificate
The 12-credit online human services administration graduate certificate is an excellent option for those already working in human services agencies and looking to advance in their career while developing their administration and management skills. This certificate is also a great addition to other master’s programs, for example, human development and family science, social work, public health, early childhood education, and community development.
Listen as Elaine Johannes, instructor in the family and community services program, explains what students will learn in this program and how the culture of this program creates a community for students and faculty to collaborate.
Career Opportunities in Family & Community Services
A master’s degree or graduate certificate in family & community services can benefit a diverse range of professionals and help graduates advance into leadership positions like executive director, supervisor, program manager, or program developer.
Graduates of this program work across public, private, and nonprofit industries in areas such as:
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Collaborate with Expert Faculty
IDEA’s family & community services faculty come from different home universities, providing a range of perspectives and experiences. Unlike some competitor programs that hire outside instructors to teach someone else's curriculum, you'll learn from faculty who are dedicated to your success and collaborate together to bring you a unique, dynamic curriculum that is as rigorous and impactful as an on-campus program. Get to know more about the family & community services faculty members at the bottom of this webpage.
Pursuing a master’s degree is a big investment, financially and time-wise. Carrie Hanson-Bradley, assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, explains why the family & community services program through IDEA is worth that investment.
