Dr. Alex Vaxsonyi
Director of Graduate Studies in Family Sciences
School of Human Environmental Sciences
vazsonyi@uky.eduThe family sciences master’s (M.S.) program uses an integrative approach to learning about improving individual, family, and community well-being. The program prepares students for immediate employment in their chosen area, and also provides an excellent foundation for subsequent matriculation into a doctoral program.
Five emphasis areas are available in the family sciences master’s program: (a) adolescent development, (b) aging, (c) couple and family therapy, (d) family finance and economics, and (e) family processes. The curriculum for each emphasis area except couple and family therapy requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, comprised of 15 credit hours of core courses, 5 hours of electives, 3 hours of a data analysis or program evaluation course, 1 hour of a professional development seminar, and 6 credit hours for the thesis (Plan A) or scholarly project (Plan B).
The couple and family therapy emphasis area is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and requires a prescribed curriculum totaling 53 credit hours (2 years, including one summer), comprised of 15 credit hours of core family sciences courses, 18 hours of core couple and family therapy courses, 10 hours of supervised practicum, 3 hours of a data analysis or program evaluation course, 1 hour of a professional development seminar, and 6 credit hours for the thesis (Plan A) or scholarly project (Plan B). Students also must complete 300-500 client contact hours, which is primarily accomplished during the 10 hours of practicum.
Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
To apply for an assistantship, please attach a Word document indicating whether you would prefer to be considered for a full-time assistantship (20 hours per week) or a half-time assistantship (10 hours per week).
GRE is not required.
Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
To apply for an assistantship, please attach a Word document indicating whether you would prefer to be considered for a full-time assistantship (20 hours per week) or a half-time assistantship (10 hours per week)
GRE is not required.
To better understand the interests and areas of study available within the Animal and Food Science Department, browse these recent dissertations and theses from our graduates:
Tera Buerkle. 2021
Kara Burns. 2021
Alyssa Campbell. 2021
Choosing from the many specializations of our professors, students will find a variety of hands-on experiences to suit their interests. Faculty and researchers in the Family Sciences Department manage laboratories focused on:
Students interested in learning more about these research operations are encouraged to email the associated contact listed above.
Dr. Alex Vaxsonyi
Director of Graduate Studies in Family Sciences
School of Human Environmental Sciences
vazsonyi@uky.eduMartin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
School of Human Environmental Sciences
315 Funkhouser Building
859-218-7750
