Family Sciences
A.A. - Transfer Degree
Learn more about transfer options below.
This program strives to integrate relationships between individuals, families, and communities as well as the environments in which they function. This profession is concerned with: the strength and vitality of families; the use of personal, social, and material resources to meet human needs; the well-being of individuals and families; the role of individuals and families as consumers of goods and services; and the development and management of home and community environments that are supportive of individuals and families. Any student may take courses in this area for personal or professional development. Some FAS courses fulfill general education requirements (AGEC and A.A.S.) in the Social and Behavioral Sciences category. To reach the objectives of the profession, students are advised to continue and complete a bachelor’s degree for employability in this area.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in family sciences that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and discuss effective communication practices and construct conversations utilizing the skills.
- Summarize and determine family strengths as they pertain to solving problems.
- Utilize technology to support their learning and understanding of family studies.
- Research an assigned topic and synthesize information in a research paper, citing all sources using appropriate style and format.
- Identify and explain how the influences in their own life impact their family and wellbeing.
- Identify, discuss, and utilize effective communication skills.
- Characterize and compare effective methods to support and empower families in order to promote holistic family development.
- Use systematic observation, writing, and other effective assessment strategies to demonstrate an understanding of how multiple factors can impact families.
- Employ their understanding of and relationships with children and families and their understanding of developmentally and culturally effective approaches to build upon family strengths.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 (or ENG 107) |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics or higher | 3 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| FAS 101 | Family Culture & Structure | 3 | Major Requirement |
| FAS 160 | Close Relationships | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 (or ENG 108) |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| FAS 238 | Human Development | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| PHI 105 | Introduction to Ethics/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| BIO 100 | Introduction to Biology/GE (recommended) | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 240 | Child Growth and Development | 3 | Major Requirement |
| FAS 204 | Gender Relations | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| NTR 201 | Nutrition | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ARH-141 | Survey of World Art/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| ORAL COMM | Choose a course from Second Languages/101 level (recommended) or take a CLEP Exam | 4 | GE-Oral Communication |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 170 | Human Sexuality | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| *PSY 230 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | General Elective |
| *PSY 290 | Introduction to Research Methods | 4 | General Elective |
| INST/AME | Choose one course from Institutions in the Americas | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| 14 |
*Course may be required for students transferring to the university.
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY / LOCATION | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University – Tempe or Online | BS | Family & Human Development | None |
| Northern Arizona University - Online | BSED | Career and Technical Education 90-30 - (Family and Consumer Science Emphasis) | None |
| University of Arizona – Yuma or Tucson | BS | Human Development & Family Science | 2nd Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.