The mission of the Family Studies Program is to prepare students to work in areas that endeavor to enhance individual and family strengths. Strengthening families and their individual members facilitates the development of a life-long learning environment. Programs are designed to provide a solid foundation in human development, interpersonal relations, and family resource management that recognizes the dynamic interaction of theory, research and relevant practices. Family Studies is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary field, exemplifying practice and scholarly inquiry that is sensitive and responsive to issues of cultural diversity. The scholarly work of the program extends to the community through collaboration with families, schools, health and social services agencies, businesses, public policy agendas, and government entities. The program strives to be responsive to the evolving needs of external constituencies.

The conceptual framework for the Ph.D. in Family Studies is based on the link between the principles of ecology and systems theory with the study of families. With the exception of a 12-hours doctoral core, students plan an individualized program with their Committee of Studies that focuses on the area of Family Studies and which may include courses in the graduate unit as well as from other units.