Marriage and Family Studies

Marriage and Family Studies

at a glance

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This program aims to introduce you to the extraordinary mystery of mankind’s highest act: natural and supernatural love, caritas. In this comprehensive study, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and context of relationships, marriage, family life, human development and the Catholic perspective of sexuality in holy matrimony.

Careers: Childcare Provider, Family Counselor, Youth Advocate, Social Worker

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UNCOVER THE MYSTERY OF NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL LOVE

Explore the philosophical reality of love as the fulfillment of the human person, involving intellect, will and affectivity. You’ll engage with ancient and medieval thinkers to examine the married vocation as well as the concept and history of the family in society. You’ll also gain insight into the critical elements and psychological principles of nourishing a robust, healthy and Catholic family.

light bulbFast Fact: Connect with some of the world’s greatest minds on the topic of love, marriage, and family including St. Gregory of Nyssa, Aristotle, Plato, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

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Skills you will gain with

A Marriage and Family Studies DEGREE

  1. Critical Thinking – The philosophical aspects of this program will teach you to think critically, organize your thoughts, and express them clearly and confidently. This, in turn, will allow you to listen, properly understand and deconstruct complex concepts into simple ones.
  2. Understanding of Family Psychology – You’ll gain practical insight into family life cycles, personality, masculinity and femininity, dating and courtship, marriage preparation, the marriage covenant, marriage enrichment, communication, marital sexuality and faith in the family.
  3. Catholic Knowledge of Human Development – You’ll acquire a superior Catholic understanding of human developmental theory covering all stages of human life from conception to natural death. You’ll also explore the development of the conscience, the life of virtue, commitment to human relationships, and the discernment of one’s vocation.
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CAREER PATHS

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ADMISSIONS

A look into the

Marriage and Family Studies DEPARTMENT

Required Courses

  • PHIL 310 Philosophy of Love OR PHIL 415 Philosophy of Motherhood
  • PSYC 301 Human Development and Learning
  • PSYC 323 Marriage and Family Psychology
  • THEO 409 Christian Marriage: Theology of the Body

Any two of the following electives

  • BUSN 250 Personal Financial Planning
  • BUSN 415 Meaning of Work: Motherhood and Catholic Family Life
  • EDUC 201 Educational Foundations
  • PSYC 333 Vocational Psychology
  • PSYC 415 Meaning of Work: Motherhood and Catholic Family Life
  • Or as approved by the program director and Dean of Faculty
  • Academic Catalogue
  • Academic Calendar

STEFANIE MORRIS, PH.D.

Chair of the Psychology Department, Associate Professor of Psychology

Education: B.S., Psychology, Southern Nazarene University; M.Psy., Psychology, University of Dallas; M.S., Psychology, Oklahoma State University; Ph.D., Psychology, Oklahoma State University
Office: Prince 107
Email: stefanie.morris@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1552

JANICE CHIK BREIDENBACH, PH.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Janice BreidenbachEducation: A.B., Princeton University, Philosophy & Public Policy; M.A., Philosophy, University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., Philosophy, University of St Andrews
Office: Henkels 2014B
Email: janice.breidenbach@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1572

MARIA FEDORYKA, PH.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Maria FedorykaEducation: B.A., Philosophy, Christendom College; M.A., Philosophy, International Academy of Philosophy, Liechtenstein; Ph.D., Philosophy, International Academy of Philosophy, Liechtenstein
Office: Henkels 3047
Email: maria.fedoryka@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2531

FR. JOSEPH LUGALAMBI, PH.D. (CANDIDATE)

Adjunct Instructor of Theology

Father Joseph LugalambiEducation: B.A., Sacred Theology, Pontifica Universitas Gregoriana; M.A., Theology, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary/Kenrick School of Theology; Ph.D., Systematic Theology, Ave Maria University
Office: Henkels 3047
Email: fr.joseph.lugalambi@avemaria.edu

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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