Family Systems: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Family Systems is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the family as a complex, evolving social structure that shapes individual development and influences broader societal dynamics. This program explores how familial relationships, roles, and interactions function as interconnected systems, with lasting impacts on emotional well-being, social behavior, and cultural norms.
- Family Development Across the Lifespan: Examines the stages of family growth, from formation and parenting to aging and dissolution, emphasizing developmental transitions and adaptive processes.
- Systems Theory in Family Contexts: Applies theoretical models that view the family as an integrated system, where changes in one member affect the entire unit and its functioning.
- Family Dynamics and Communication Patterns: Investigates interactional styles, conflict resolution strategies, power structures, and communication processes that sustain or disrupt family cohesion.
- Sociological Perspectives on Family Structures: Analyzes how social institutions, cultural norms, economic conditions, and historical shifts shape diverse family forms and their roles in society.
- Psychological Foundations of Family Functioning: Explores attachment theory, emotional regulation, identity formation, and mental health within family environments.
- Behavioral Sciences and Intervention Strategies: Integrates research on behavior modification, family therapy techniques, and evidence-based practices for supporting family resilience and change.
- Humanities and Ethical Dimensions: Engages with literature, philosophy, and ethics to deepen understanding of family values, narratives, and moral responsibilities across cultures.
Family Systems Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Family Systems Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Family Systems degrees, including Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Farm and Home Management Educators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 12,890 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192 | $77,280 | $47,580 - $133,180 | 2,630 | N/A |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
Family Systems Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,760 in Georgia to $116,435 in California—a 267% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Idaho, and Louisiana. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 12,890 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Family Systems by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Family Systems programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Family Systems is found at Brigham Young University (BYU–I), Idaho (369 graduates), Brigham Young University (BYU) (134 graduates), University of Southern Mississippi (USM) (99 graduates), Weber State University (WSU) (32 graduates), and Ball State University (BSU) (31 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 765 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Other Award
|
369 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
134 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
99 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
20 | Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| University of Akron |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Other Award
|
9 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
5 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| Great Lakes Christian College (GLCC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Lansing, Michigan | Private | glcc.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Southern Adventist University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Collegedale, Tennessee | Private | southern.edu |
| Lubbock Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lubbock, Texas | Private | lcu.edu |
| Anderson University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Anderson, Indiana | Private | anderson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Family Systems programs
How much can I earn with a Family Systems degree?
Salaries for Family Systems graduates vary by role and location. Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,280 annually, while Farm and Home Management Educators earn around $58,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $116,435 compared to $31,760 in Georgia. Approximately 12,890 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Family Systems programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Family Systems degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Brigham Young University (BYU–I), Idaho (369 graduates), Brigham Young University (BYU) (134 graduates), and University of Southern Mississippi (USM) (99 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Family Systems growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 538 in 2010 to 765 in 2023-24. This represents a 42% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Family Systems degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Farm and Home Management Educators, . Related occupations employ approximately 12,890 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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