Family and Social Welfare (Undergrad)
Department of Sociology
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Families play a significant part in individuals’ lives and society. In sociology, one approach is to view families as a small group, focusing on relational processes like support, socialization, conflict and intimacy that constitute interactions among family members.
Another approach views the family as a major social institution that interacts closely with other institutions including those affecting education, law, healthcare, religion, the economy, criminal justice and welfare.
The family - in its varied and diverse forms - is also key to understanding how inequality is experienced and reproduced in society, as substantial responsibility for caring, nurturing, and raising others is delegated to families. The interplay of these multiple levels - the micro or interpersonal, the meso or institutional, and the macro or structural - also interests sociologists, as individuals influence social structures and institutions, and the latter, in turn, affect family interactions and relationships.
This certificate provides students a foundation for understanding the complex role of families and family members at multiple levels, as well as the social systems and organizations responsible for supporting families and individuals. The content and methods courses will prepare students for direct service positions working with individuals and families (e.g., human and social services), or research, policy or advocacy positions addressing family issues (e.g., housing, violence and abuse, parenting, social welfare). Students earning the certificate also will be well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees in social work, public health, counseling, law, sociology or related disciplines.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will:
While housed in Sociology, the study of families and social welfare is, in fact, a multidisciplinary field that draws from diverse liberal arts fields, including psychology, communications and history, among others.
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at the University of Colorado is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.
The tuition amount assessed is determined based on which University of Colorado campus, school, or college is offering your degree program, as well as if it is at the undergrad or graduate level, and finally your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
A minimum of 15 hours is required for the Family and Social Welfare Certificate.
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. Students are encouraged to apply for the Families and Social Welfare Certificate at any point in their undergraduate studies. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and earn a minimum of a “C” in each course applied to the certificate. The certificate will be transcripted when all requirements are completed.
Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting an Enrollment Navigator today.
Example Courses |
SOCY 3700 — Sociology of the Family |
SOCY 3115 — Quantitative Methods & Analysis |
SOCY 3010 — Sociology of Human Sexuality |
SOCY 4650 — Sociology of Adulthood and Aging |
HIST 4219 — Depression, Affluence and Anxiety: U.S. History, 1929 to the Present |
PSYC 4485 — Psychology of Cultural Diversity |