Undergraduate Program

The Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS) undergraduate program is an interdisciplinary applied social science program located in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida.

This undergraduate major provides the general and technical education necessary for graduates to enter a career in human services, including public, private, nonprofit and for-profit organizations.  The Family, Youth and Community Sciences major prepares students to deal with complex problems in human and community services.

A Family, Youth and Community Sciences major provides the student with a foundational knowledge of:

  • Individual and family development and functioning in the
    community and societal context 
  • Contemporary problems facing youth, families and  communities
  • Organizational policies and programs designed to address needs and improve quality of life

The development of knowledge and intervention skills that enable professionals to assist youth, families and communities in meeting their needs is also emphasized, including:

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Program Planning, Management and Administration
  • Social Policy
  • Applied Research and Evaluation
  • Community-based Education

Mission and Focus

The Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences is dedicated to providing the general and technical education for graduates to enter careers in human and community services. This program provides in-depth course work on human development and understanding relationships within their social context; thus helping students analyze and assist youth, families, and communities with their particular needs and concerns. The FYCS program emphasizes the development of individual and family strengths and community assets to cope well with predictable developmental changes, such as adolescence; as well as with unpredictable events, such as sudden job loss; or chronic problems, such as poverty.

How Does This Major Match Your Interests?

The FYCS major draws students with a wide range of interests and future goals. Many students who enter the program are interested in the following:

  • Abused & Neglected Children
  • Human & Community Services
  •  Youth Problems
  •  Juvenile Delinquency
  •  Youth Development
  • Community Development
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Youth Ministry 
  • Family Preservation
  • Care of the Elderly 
  • School Crime and Violence
  • Social Services

Academic Learning Compacts

More information about the Academic Learning Compacts can be found here. Students completing a degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences will demonstrate comprehension of the student learning outcomes in several ways. Students will complete the practicum course, FYC 4941, with performance evaluations completed by the agency supervisor for which they complete their practicum with. Performance evaluations will rate students on professional skills and ethical standards, critical thinking skills and knowledge and application of coursework. Students will also complete an exam in the Senior Seminar course, FYC 4931, which will address core knowledge in Family, Youth and Community Sciences. The exam will consist of multiple choice questions that address the main points of the core Family Youth and Community Sciences courses. The questions are written by faculty members who teach the core courses. The courses in the curriculum will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the student learning outcomes

News & Announcements

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Watch this space for all the latest FYCS academic programs news and announcements. More...