The mission of the Family Studies program is to prepare students to work in areas that endeavor to enhance individual and family strengths. Strengthening families and their individual members facilitates the development of an environment for life long learning. Programs are designed to provide a solid foundation in human development, interpersonal relations, and family resource management that recognizes the dynamic interaction of theory, research and relevant practices. Family Studies is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary field, exemplifying effective practice and scholarly inquiry that are sensitive and responsive to issues of cultural diversity. The scholarly work of the program extends to the community through collaboration with families, schools, health and social services agencies, businesses, public policy agendas, and government entities.
Programs strive to be responsive to the evolving needs of external constituencies.
Family Studies offers programs that enhance individual and family strengths following interdisciplinary and ecological approaches. Programs emphasize individual development, interpersonal relationships and family functioning through the components of educ ation, research and service. The programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of career options, where work is directed towards education, prevention, intervention, and research with individuals and families. Her research interests include immigrant families, ethnic minority families, families, communities, and school partnership, intergenerational relationships, and aging studies. Her research interests on Mexican-American families include death and dying and family interaction.