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Certificate
Family Theory and Research
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> ... Certificates & Degrees Overview > Degree List > Family Theory and Research
BYU-Idaho + BYU-Pathway

The family theory and research certificate prepares Âé¶¹´«Ã½ for entry-level work in the human services industry, as well as employment requiring problem-solving and basic research skills. This certificate helps Âé¶¹´«Ã½ obtain a theoretical understanding of family dynamics and to develop basic research skills.

This certificate is offered by BYU-Idaho, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

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Pathway Social
Looking Ahead
Potential Employment
When seeking employment within the field of family studies and human services these search terms may be helpful.

  • Social and human service assistant
  • Juvenile services
  • Childcare worker/teacher
  • Psychiatric technician
  • Case aide

Or, search for jobs requiring the skills obtained, such as problem solving, professional writing, and basic statistical analysis.

The family theory and research certificate emphasizes the development of employable skills, such as professional writing, problem-solving, synthesizing research, and basic data analysis. These skills can help Âé¶¹´«Ã½ obtain employment in a variety of interpersonal settings, such as human and family services. The family theory and research certificate will also provide Âé¶¹´«Ã½ with a broad understanding of family theory and dynamics.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help Âé¶¹´«Ã½ increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

  • Create a theory-based plan for solving family problems.
  • Synthesize relevant research findings pertaining to marriage and family.
  • Perform basic statistical analysis.
  • Demonstrate theoretical knowledge concerning family dynamics.
Certificate of Family Theory and Research
Program Requirements
This certificate builds into the Marriage & Family Studies degree.
This is an advanced certificate. Prior to working on this certificate, you must complete the Family Relations and Family Services certificates.
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Certificate
15 CREDITS
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Associate
60 CREDITS
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Bachelor's
90–96 CREDITS
Certificate of Family Theory and Research
Course Code
Course Name
# of Credits
PSYCH111
General Psychology
3
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x
General Psychology
This is an introductory course in psychology which surveys the various fields of psychology and application of selected psychological principles to life situations.
MATH124
Fundamentals of Statistics
3
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x
Fundamentals of Statistics
Introduces basic statistical concepts and analytical skills. Students learn to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and real-world applications. The course emphasizes practical skills for academic and professional use.
PSYCH302
Research Methods
3
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x
Research Methods
This course explores the basic principles of conducting research in psychology. Some of the topics include, but are not limited to: research design, data collection, analysis, reporting results, and ethics of doing research.  This course should be completed by the beginning of junior year.
FAML300
Marital Dynamics
3
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x
Marital Dynamics
This course focuses on contemporary issues affecting marriage, along with skills and principles needed to build strong and successful marriages.
FAML400
Family Theories and Dynamics
3
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x
Family Theories and Dynamics
This course involves an in-depth look at family theories and their assumptions including: systems theory, exchange theory, family development theory, and symbolic interactionism and ecological theory.  Family processes related to power, communication, dysfunctions and addictions, rules and patterns of interaction, distance regulation, and family rituals will be explored. Students will use theory to develop intervention and prevention programs.
For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support
Certificate Courses (15 credits)
Course CodeCourse Name# of Credits
PSYCH 111
General Psychology
x
PSYCH 101 | General Psychology
This is an introductory course in Psychology which surveys the various fields of psychology and application of selected psychological principles to life situations.

3
MATH 124
Fundamentals of Statistics
x
MATH 124 | Fundamentals of Statistics
Introduces basic statistical concepts and analytical skills. Students learn to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and real-world applications. The course emphasizes practical skills for academic and professional use.

3
PSYCH 302
Research Methods
x
PSYCH 302 | Research Methods
This course explores the basic principles of conducting research in psychology. Some of the topics include, but are not limited to: research design, data collection, analysis, reporting results, and ethics of doing research. This course should be completed by the beginning of junior year.

3
FAML 300
Marital Dynamics
x
FAML 300 | Marital Dynamics
This course focuses on the research, theory, and principles concerning marital dynamics, along with skills needed to build strong relationships.

3
FAML 400
Family Theories and Dynamics
x
FAML 400 | Family Theories and Dynamics
This course involves an in-depth look at family theories and their assumptions including systems theory, exchange theory, family development theory, symbolic interactionism, and others. Family processes related to power, communication, dysfunctions and addictions, rules and patterns of interaction, distance regulation, and family rituals will be explored.

3