Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services
In contemporary society, the definition of family is evolving and the traditional nuclear family has many variations. ACU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services focuses on learning about optimal human development and relationships from infancy through adulthood. Through this degree, you will be trained to strengthen the lives of children, adults, and families by promoting emotional well-being.
Taught from a Christian perspective, our degree program will prepare you for a variety of careers serving children and families. You will examine current research and theory, and learn to design, implement, and evaluate family life education plans.
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Sara Blakeslee Salkil is the program director of the online Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services program. She is independently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio and Texas and is an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor. Sara grew up in Oklahoma and earned her bachelor's degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University. She received her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from ACU and her doctorate in MFT from Texas Tech University. In addition to her academic and clinical work, she is a member of the Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist licensing board in Ohio and a member of the Governance Leadership Identification Task Force with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She also practices part-time.
Degree Highlights
Tracks
General
Child Life
Required Hours
University Requirements/General Ed: 56 credit hours
Major Requirements: 64 credit hours (up to 19 credit hours in electives)
Total Required: 120 credit hours
Example Coursework
FAM 385: Family Theories: An Introduction
FAM 452: Parenting and Family Skills
COMM 376: Family Communication
FAM 453: Family Crises and Resiliency
Department
School of Undergraduate Studies
Upcoming Start Dates
January 12, 2021
March 9, 2021
What career outcomes can you expect after graduating?
- Adoption Counselor
- Childcare Director
- Youth Services Coordinator
- Group Home Worker
- Family Resource Coordinator
- Marriage and Family Therapist (Master's degree required)
Admission Requirements
ACU’s online undergraduate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in gaining a bachelor’s degree in an online modality.
To be considered for admission, students:
- Must be out of high school for at least four years.
- Must complete an “Online Undergraduate Program” application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Must provide official transcripts of all previous academic work.
- Are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
Graduation Requirements
Students must earn a 2.5 GPA or higher for all courses taken at ACU and at least a “C” in each major course.