Find your perfect family studies programs abroad
Find family studies programs you love that match your needs and aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.
Family Studies degrees abroad
Family studies is a subject area that analyzes the roles, relationships, and behaviors of individuals in a family unit. It’s an interdisciplinary field that blends components of sociology and psychology.
Families around the world face a wide range of challenges and issues. As a family studies student, you’ll learn how to work closely with families and provide them with high-quality support. As well as paying close attention to the development and welfare of children, you’ll ensure that the specific needs of each family member are met.
Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to take your learning beyond the textbook. You’ll gather vital experience by interacting with people from a variety of different backgrounds. You’ll also understand how the support needs of families vary from country to country, molding you into a more experienced and adaptable practitioner.
Family Studies program structure
Most programs in family studies are offered as foundation degrees. These degrees combine academic teaching with workplace skills and are targeted at individuals who already work with families, children, or young people on a part-time basis. They’re a great way to further your career and normally require two years of study.
It’s possible to study a bachelor’s degree in family studies, but these are harder to come by. If you do choose to enroll in a BA course, you’ll study over a minimum of three years and will develop a detailed comprehension of the field.
If you’ve set your sights on studying in the US, you’ll know that most undergraduate programs last for four years. You’ll take general education classes for the first half of your course, before declaring a major in family studies. You’ll then focus on major-specific modules for the remainder of your degree.
After finishing your bachelor’s, you can pursue a research-based postgraduate qualification. Master’s programs can be studied over one or two years, whereas a PhD normally takes between four and seven years.
As well as being taught through lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, you’ll spend a substantial amount of time working or volunteering with families and young people. These opportunities are crucial for putting what you’ve learned into practice.
Every university program will cover slightly different content. However, most will address these core topics:
- Working with children and families
- Contemporary issues and debates in family studies
- Family counseling
- Marriage and family relationships
- Parenting practices
- Child development and welfare
- Family health and wellbeing
- Research methods in family studies

Best countries to study family studies
Family Studies study abroad programs
What are the top family studies undergraduate programs abroad?
Arizona State University (in partnership with Kaplan International)Family and Human Development - BS
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Human Development
- Location
- Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Next available start date
- January 2027 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 37,202USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Auburn UniversityHuman Development and Family Studies - BSc
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Human Development
- Location
- Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +3 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 38,314USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
California State University, SacramentoFamily Studies and Human Development - BSc
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Human Development
- Location
- Sacramento, California, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 22,334USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Colorado State UniversityFamily and Consumer Sciences: Interdisciplinary Family and Consumer Sciences - BSc
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Family Studies
- Location
- Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 36,113USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Louisiana State UniversityChild and Family Studies - BS
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Child Studies
- Location
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Next available start date
- September 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 25,584USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
See all undergraduate degrees in family studies abroad
What are the top family studies postgraduate programs abroad?
California State University, SacramentoCounseling: Specialization in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling - MSc
- 3 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Counseling
- Location
- Sacramento, California, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 18,540USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Colorado State UniversityHuman Development and Family Studies: Marriage and Family Therapy - MSc
- 2 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Family Therapy , Human Development
- Location
- Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 32,058USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Jacksonville State UniversitySecondary Education: Family and Consumer Sciences 6-12 - MSE
- 2 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Secondary Education
- Location
- Jacksonville, Alabama, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 18,360USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Montana State University BozemanHealth and Human Development: Family and Consumer Sciences - MSc
- 2 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , Healthcare , Human Development
- Location
- Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2026 +3 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 26,370USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
University of LimerickHistory: Family - MA
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Family Studies , History
- Location
- Limerick, Ireland
- Next available start date
- September 2026 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 18,600EUR
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
See all postgraduate degrees in family studies abroad
Future family studies careers
Graduating with a degree in family studies means that you’ll have the academic know-how and practical experience to make a real difference to people’s lives. You can apply your skills across several sectors, including social care, health, and education.
Here are some of the rewarding careers secured by graduates:
- Family support worker
- Social worker
- Youth worker
- Early years teacher
- Counselor
- Community development worker
- Crisis intervention officer
- Child protection officer
Most universities have professional career advisors who can help you identify and pursue your dream job. Organize a chat with them to discuss your future plans and ambitions.






















