Department Chair

Dr. Yi 'Tom' Cai


18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge CA 91330-8308
FCS Department Office
Sequoia Hall 141

Phone: (818) 677-3051

Send email

Family Studies

Student taking notes during class

Program Mission

To enhance the quality of life for Individuals, families, and communities through education, research, creative endeavors and public services.  Students may select an emphasis of study within the program: Childcare & Administration (Pattern A), and Family Services (Pattern B).

The Family Studies option is included in the departmental accreditation by the  American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

Mentorship & Advising

All students in the Family Studies Option are mentored and guided by our faculty advisors. 

Our courses integrate the educational experience that will help students attain promising careers in childcare and administration, and family services. 

For any course or program related questions please e-mail one of the following faculty advisors to make an appointment with them during their scheduled office hours. Be sure to print and take you most current Unofficial Transcript and any questions you may have.

Dr. Uma Krishnan
Faculty Advisors
Dr. Yi Cai
Dr. Angie Giordano
Dr. Sean Jefferson

You can find all faculty and faculty advisor scheduled office hours on the Students page under Advisement Forms and Resources.

Internships

A crucial component to the Family Studies Program is the academic internship.

Students may apply their skills to activities at the Child and Family Studies Center on Campus. The highly acclaimed facility is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Education Programs (NAECE). The center provides services to about 85 families with young children within the community. 

Other internship venues throughout the community include:

  • Family referral agencies
  • Corporate childcare centers
  • Parent education programs
  • Intergenerational care programs
  • Head start

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are extensive. Our graduates have found rewarding careers as:

  • Adoption services director
  • Child development specialist
  • Childcare providers and administrators
  • Children's program administrators
  • Community service workers
  • Family resource and referral counselors
  • Family services coordinator
  • Intergenerational care specialists

Students who complete graduate work choose careers in:

  • College instruction
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • Parent education

Advisement

All student in the Family Studies (FS) option receive individual and group guidance from faculty advisors. Courses are chosen to integrate the educational experience into promising careers. 

Please e-mail your advisor to make an appointment with them during their scheduled office hours. 

R - Z Dr. Uma Krishnan
Advisement by Last Name Faculty Advisor
A - D Dr. Yi Cai
E - J Dr. Angie Giordano
K - Q Dr. Sean Jefferson

Be sure to print and take your most current Degree Progress Report (DPR) and a blank advisement form according to your pattern to your advisement appointment.

You can find all faculty and faculty advisor scheduled office hours on the Students page under Advisement Forms and Resources. 

Department Chair

Dr. Yi 'Tom' Cai


18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge CA 91330-8308
FCS Department Office
Sequoia Hall 141

Phone: (818) 677-3051

Send email

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