Family & Human Services - Family Services
Explore a dynamic and flexible learning experience that builds to a rewarding career with our Family Services degree option. We need people with empathy for others, passion for advocacy, and a strong desire to help people overcome the challenges in their lives.
Family Service professionals work to help family members develop strengths, healthy relationships, and full, meaningful lives. You may work in youth services agencies, mental health centers, agencies that serve the elderly, disability services, case management, prevention, and more. Be part of a helping field that fosters hope for the future.
Why Choose Washburn?
A career in Family Services is an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of others. It is more than just a job – it is a rewarding career promoting the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. Students who graduate from our program are career-ready and prepared to earn a marketable, in-demand credential as a licensed, helping professional.
Our program offers customizable academic plans:
- Choose fully online coursework, or a mix of campus and online classes to fit your schedule
- Full-time or part-time options
- Meaningful fieldwork and professional networking in your own community
- Gain real-world career experience with two internships at agencies in your community
- Graduates of our program are eligible to apply for certification in Person-Centered Case Management (PCCM) through the Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services and for certification as a Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations
- We are transfer friendly and accept substitutions from related coursework taken at other colleges/universities
Our program provides a foundation of evidence-based practices, enhanced by a special focus on critical challenges in the field. All of us - students, professors, clients and communities - benefit from a broad and inclusive perspective. Washburn welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
Admissions scholarships
Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.Department scholarships
The School of Applied Studies awards scholarships to new, current and transfer students who are majoring in Family and Human Services. The application deadline is February 15.- Admissions scholarshipsAdmissions scholarships
- Department scholarshipsDepartment scholarships
Tuition and fees
Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate and Traditional Online Undergraduate rates, depending on if they are taught on campus or online.Financial aid
Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.Tuition waiver programs
If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.- Tuition and feesTuition and fees
- Financial aidFinancial aid
- Tuition waiver programsTuition waiver programs
4-Year Plan
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Family Services can be achieved in four years. Students must complete two internships in a family and human service agency in the community of at least 150 clock hours.
Meet Rheagan
Rheagan Hageman always knew she wanted to help others. The real-world experience to do just that through the Family and Human Services department made her choice of what to study an easy one.
As an Ichabod, Rheagan took full advantage of numerous opportunities to get involved on campus, serving as a First Year Experience Peer Educator, member of Delta Gamma Sorority and several honorary societies.
She also completed internships at the Topeka Rescue Mission in the Children's Palace and the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment. Her internship experiences gave her a better understanding of just how resilient people can be, despite the tough circumstances they may be facing.
Rheagan received her Bachelor of Applied Science in Family Services this spring and was a finalist for the Sibberson Award, Washburn's highest academic honor. She now works as a Youth Client Support Provider at Pawnee Mental Health Services in Manhattan, Kansas, providing one-on-one support to children and helping to run after school groups that focus on building group and social skills.
Her advice for future Ichabod's is to take full advantage of the internship experiences.
"Be intentional with the time you spend at your internships," Rheagan said. "It may seem like just another thing you have to complete, but they are truly valuable experiences."
Minors & Related Programs
Students can use their elective options to earn a certificate or minor in several areas while working on their bachelor's degree.
Jobs & Opportunities
Graduate with experience
100%
of students complete 2 internships prior to graduation.
Student/Faculty Ratio
13:1
Projected Job Growth
17%
(2020-2030)
Program Cost
Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate and Traditional Online Undergraduate rates, depending on if they are taught on campus or online. Students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Family & Human Services
Family & Human Services
Benton Hall, Room 311
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2116
human-services@washburn.edu
