Careers in Family Studies with a Master's Degree
As a student you may be wondering what a master's degree in Family Studies is really going to do for you. While not as clear-cut as a degree like engineering, a master's degree in family studies can open many doors for you, as you have a chance to really make a difference in people's lives. After all, making a difference is probably the reason you decided to major in family studies to begin with.
Benefits of a Family Studies Master's Degree
You've already earned your undergraduate degree, and now you want to know why you should get a master's degree. A master's degree will allow you some basic advantages over those with a bachelor's degree. First, you will be higher on the totem pole; your graduate degree gives you an advantage over other applicants. You will also find that your master's degree will open a lot of administrative jobs to you that you may never have considered with only a bachelors' degree. Additionally, you can't forget the pay factor; with a master's degree you have the ability to earn more. Besides being a great career move, a master's degree in family studies will offer you a variety of experiences for personal and professional growth.
Social and Human Service Careers
Many family studies graduates go on to have careers in the social and human services: case managers, counselors, family support workers, advocates, researchers, grant writers, and administrators. These jobs are available in universities, schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals, home health and long-term care agencies, and the government sector.
Community Service Careers
Like social and human service careers, community service careers allow you to work with people and families in the community. Various jobs in this area include parent and family life educator, grant writer, counselor, crisis and hotline worker, program administrator or director, and clergy or pastoral care. These jobs are available in community centers, cooperative extension, churches and faith-based organizations, family support centers, parenting education programs, and job programs.
Education Careers
A master's degree in family studies also lets you work in an educational setting. Educational jobs include Certified Family Life Educator, after school program director, school counselor, family resource coordinator, administrator, curriculum developer, or a teacher. Check with the Cooperative Extension in your area as well as religious institutions, school-based programs, Head Start programs, child development or care centers, and after-school tutoring or social/emotional skills programs.
Policy and Law Careers
Your master's degree gives you the opportunity to work in policy and law careers: family policy analyst, researcher, lobbyist or advocate, legislator, politician, and mediator. When looking for careers in this area check with domestic violence organizations, legal aide agencies, government offices, international organizations, human rights organizations, and non-profit organizations.
Conclusion
Your master's degree in family studies will be one of the best career moves you make. When you have a master's degree in family studies you have the opportunity to work in a career that will change the lives of the people you work with.
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