Minor in Family Sciences Non-degree Program Guide

BEGINNING ENROLLMENTS IN FALL TERM 2025

No environment affects us as profoundly as that of the family. This minor includes the scientific study of families and close interpersonal relationships, and how they are influenced by their broader social, political and economic contexts. Minor in Family Science students will examine topics and learn skills in areas such as parent-child relationships, family relations, community diversity, community development, sexuality, aging, and more. Graduates will understand how to develop and evaluate social programs and policies to enhance family well-being.

This minor is available to any student in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts Honors programs, which have additional regulations and requirements. This minor is offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, Department of Human Ecology.

Academic Requirements for Family Sciences Minor students

General Requirements and Information
  • A minor in Family Science requires a minimum of 21 units and a maximum of 30 units including a minimum of 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
Required Courses
  • HECOL 100 - Introduction to Principles and Practice in Human Ecology
  • 15 units from your choices of:
    • HECOL 210 - Intimate Relationships
    • HECOL 211 - Human Sexuality
    • HECOL 300 - Policy Development and Evaluation
    • HECOL 301 - Program Planning and Evaluation
    • HECOL 313 - Family Dynamics
    • HECOL 315 - Interviewing and Counselling
    • HECOL 321 - Introduction to Family Finance
    • HECOL 322 - Family Economic Issues
    • HECOL 410 - Parent-Child Relationships
    • HECOL 412 - Family Challenges
    • HECOL 440 - Family Policy Issues
Indigenous Content Course Requirements
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • NS 200 - Indigenous Canada: Looking Forward/Looking Back (or)
    • NS 201 - Indigenous Canada: Looking Forward/Looking Back
    • NS 362 - Indigenous Women
    • WGS 475 - Indigenous Genders and Sexualities

OR

  • Proof of demonstrated Indigenous content provided from one of the following:
    • Aboriginal Studies 30 (or equivalent) taken at the high school level
    • Cree 30 (or equivalent) taken at the high school level
    • 3 units of coursework with Indigenous content completed elsewhere in the degree program
    • Proof of completion of the Indigenous Canada MOOC
NOTE: Contact the Faculty of Arts Undergraduate Student Services Office for more information on approved courses that will meet this requirement

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

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