Bachelor of Arts in Family Sciences (social counseling)

1. General Education Courses (30 Credit Hours):

2. College Core Courses (36 Credit Hours)

Compulsory College Courses (30 Credit Hours)

Elective College Courses (6 Credit Hours)

3. Specialization Requirements (60 Credit Hours)

Compulsory Specialization Requirements (54 Credit Hours)

Elective Specialization Requirements (6 Credit Hours)

The Family Sciences Program, with a specialization in Social Counseling, comprises seven program learning outcomes structured within the UAE’s National Qualifications Framework (QFE), encompassing knowledge (K); skills (S); and competencies: autonomy and responsibility (AR), role in context (RC), and self-development (SD). These outcomes require successful completion of all program courses and are described as follows:

Knowledge (K):

1. Demonstrates an understanding of the principles and scientific foundations of family and social counseling.
2. Integrates current knowledge sources with modern trends using contemporary methods.

Skills (S):
3. Applies analytical and practical skills in preparing and managing family counseling sessions proficiently and effectively within counseling teams.

Competence:
(1) Autonomy and Responsibility (AR):
4. Adheres to ethical standards and professional regulations during the practice of family counseling, in line with Islamic principles and the laws of the United Arab Emirates.

(2) Role in Context (RC):
5. Designs counseling and awareness programs in the field of family counseling.

(3)Self-Development(SD):
6. Engages in self-assessment and reflective counseling practices to acquire new skills and experiences.
7. Researches and implements innovative practical solutions related to family counseling, following Islamic principles and the legal framework of the United Arab Emirates.

1. Year 1: Fall Semester (15 Credit Hours)

2. Year 1: Spring Semester (15 Credit Hours)

3. Year 2: Fall Semester (18 Credit Hours)

4. Year 2: Spring Semester (18 Credit Hours)

Third Year: Fall Semester (15 Credit Hours)

Third Year: Spring Semester (18 Credit Hours)

Fourth Year: Fall Semester (15 Credit Hours)

Fourth Year: Spring Semester (12 Credit Hours)

FS-2000 Human Rights (3-0-3)

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand human rights at both international and national levels. It explores the historical development and philosophical foundations of human rights, as well as the evolution of international human rights law within the framework of the United Nations. The course focuses on analytical methodologies and discussions on contemporary challenges in the field. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to analyze legal texts related to human rights within local and international legislative contexts.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2010 Family Resource Management (3-0-3)

This course provides students with fundamental concepts of family resource management, including its types, characteristics, and applications within the family context. It covers the basics of financial management, its various sources, and its impact on the family. The course employs lectures, group discussions, interactive workshops, and practical exercises to enable students to prepare family budgets and manage economic affairs effectively. It emphasizes the application of administrative processes within the family as a social institution and aims to develop planning, organizational, and decision-making skills in accordance with gender roles.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2020 Child Development and Care (3-0-3)

This course equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical approaches essential for child care and upbringing. It covers the scientific and conceptual foundations of child development from social, psychological, educational, and Islamic perspectives. The course introduces key concepts for child care in early childhood settings, addressing physical, psychological, mental, and social dimensions. Students learn to apply information-gathering techniques and assess child development in various domains. Through interactive lectures, case studies, and practical workshops, students gain the ability to understand the principles of child upbringing and accurately evaluate growth across different developmental dimensions.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2030 Family Sociology (3-0-3)

This course examines the family as a fundamental social institution within society. It explores theoretical perspectives on the family, including various definitions, family structures, and their roles in socialization processes and adaptation to societal changes. Through discussions, research projects, and field visits to social institutions, the course addresses contemporary challenges faced by families in modern societies. By the end of the course, students are expected to professionally approach and address family-related issues in their personal and professional lives.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Sociology (LSS-1733)

FS-2040 Developmental Psychology (3-0-3)

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of developmental principles across the human lifespan, focusing on the characteristics, demands, and underlying causes of growth at various stages. It examines foundational theories explaining developmental processes from childhood to old age. The course employs interactive methodologies such as case studies, psychological analyses, discussions, and practical applications to foster a deep understanding of psychological and social changes throughout life. By the end of the course, students are expected to apply this understanding to enhance quality of life through informed behavior guidance.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology (LSS-1723)

FS-2110 Introduction to Statistics (3-0-3)

This course equips students with a strong foundation in statistical principles, focusing on descriptive, inferential, and analytical statistical concepts relevant to family studies and social research. The course combines theoretical instruction with practical application, utilizing statistical software packages to facilitate data entry and analysis. By the end of the course, students are expected to develop the ability to critically interpret statistical results and make informed, evidence-based decisions.

Prerequisites: None

COU-3000 Social Psychology(3-0-3)

This course aims to introduce students to the history and development of social psychology and its relationship with other sciences, while highlighting the key research methodologies used in the study of social phenomena. The course covers main topics such as the relationship between the group and the individual, socialization and the influencing factors, attitudes and how to change them, as well as the concept of leadership.The course is taught through interactive lectures and diverse educational activities. By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret various social behaviors within the framework of psychological concepts and theories, and apply research methodologies in the study of social phenomena.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology (LSS-1723).

FS-2050 Introduction to Family Jurisprudence (3-0-3)

This course introduces students to key concepts and terminologies in Islamic family jurisprudence derived from religious sources. It traces the historical development of Islamic jurisprudence over the ages and its progression through various stages. The course highlights the contributions of major juristic schools, particularly in the family domain, and examines the role of Islamic jurisprudence and legislative frameworks in regulating family relationships. Students engage in critical discussions, interactive lectures, and case studies to analyze family issues from an Islamic jurisprudential perspective. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand fundamental jurisprudential concepts, analyze the role of Islamic jurisprudence in organizing family relations, and critically evaluate family issues from an Islamic perspective.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2060 Introduction to Food and Nutrition (3-0-3)
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in food science and nutrition, including the composition, functions, and key sources of nutrients, as well as their relationship with human health. The course emphasizes the principles of planning balanced and healthy meals, food preservation methods, and factors affecting food safety. Students will learn to apply standards for preparing healthy meals based on age and health requirements. Through interactive lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, students will gain the ability to design balanced and healthy meal plans, analyze factors affecting food safety, and implement standards that meet the nutritional needs of various groups.
Prerequisites: None

FS-2070 Family Healthcare (3-0-3)

This course aims to familiarize students with the principles and foundations of healthcare, focusing on safety standards and practices in promoting a healthy living environment. It covers the essentials of comprehensive care, quality, and safety in delivering healthcare services, and improving the overall quality of healthcare. The course utilizes diverse teaching strategies, educational activities, and practical applications, including field visits. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to apply these principles effectively across different healthcare contexts.
Prerequisites: None

FS-2120 Social Research Methods (3-0-3)

This course equips students with essential tools and skills for conducting high-quality social research. It covers the process of selecting research topics, formulating research questions in accordance with scientific methodologies, and gathering data from diverse sources. Students will learn to analyze data using specialized statistical software. The course incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including the analysis of research papers and practical exercises. By the end of the course, students are expected to develop an understanding of social phenomena and contribute to solving social problems through the production of new knowledge.

Prerequisites: None

COU 3000 Introduction to Mental Health

This course aims to familiarize students with future directions in mental health and its applications within family and educational contexts. It addresses the foundational concepts and basic frameworks of mental health and psychological disorders, viewing them through lenses of normalcy and abnormality. The course is designed to equip students with the skills to analyze interpersonal relationships in light of mental health frameworks and to develop strategies and guidelines for enhancing these relationships. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, workshops, and case studies. Upon completion, students will be able to comprehend essential mental health concepts, critically analyze human relationships, and apply best practices to promote psychological well-being in both family and school environments.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology LSS-1723

COU-3020 Personality Disorders

This course aims to equip students with an understanding of the concepts and structure of personality, as well as the underlying factors that contribute to the emergence of personality disorders. It encompasses the study of the semiology and pathology of personality disorders, emphasizing a comparative analysis of interpretations of these disorders from multiple psychological perspectives. The course also seeks to develop students' skills in identifying and diagnosing personality disorders, whether symptomatic or theoretical, utilizing diagnostic evidence and psychological assessments. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, case studies, practical workshops, and the application of diagnostic tools. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to comprehend the structure of personality, interpret its disorders through various theoretical frameworks, and diagnose these disorders using accurate scientific methods.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology LSS-1723

COU 3030 - Family Counseling Theories

This course aims to familiarize students with a wide array of psychological and social counseling theories that constitute the fundamental basis for interpreting family and social issues. It explores the mechanisms that explain personality development and the emergence of psychological problems through the study of dynamic, behavioral, cognitive, social, and humanistic theories. Additionally, the course addresses the methods and strategies of family counseling theories and their applications in resolving family problems, elucidating the role of the family counselor and the professional procedures employed in family counseling processes. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, practical case studies, and workshops. Upon completion of the course, students will be capable of understanding and applying various theories to address family issues and providing effective counseling services.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology LSS-1723

COU-3030 - Family Counseling Theories

This course aims to familiarize students with a wide array of psychological and social counseling theories that constitute the fundamental basis for interpreting family and social issues. It explores the mechanisms that explain personality development and the emergence of psychological problems through the study of dynamic, behavioral, cognitive, social, and humanistic theories. Additionally, the course addresses the methods and strategies of family counseling theories and their applications in resolving family problems, elucidating the role of the family counselor and the professional procedures employed in family counseling processes. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, practical case studies, and workshops. Upon completion of the course, students will be capable of understanding and applying various theories to address family issues and providing effective counseling services.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology LSS-1723

COU 3040 - Child and Adolescent Counseling

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the psychological and social needs of children and adolescents, as well as to develop effective strategies to support them. It links psychological theories with counseling practices, emphasizing the typical challenges encountered by children and adolescents at various stages of development. The course utilizes diverse teaching methodologies in conjunction with case studies. By the end of the course, students will acquire practical experience that will enable them to address the psychological and social issues faced by children and adolescents in various educational and social environments.

Prerequisite: Developmental Psychology – COU 2040.

COU 3050 - Youth and Elderly Counseling

This course introduces students to the concepts of adulthood and aging, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of these age groups, as well as the objectives, principles, and techniques of counseling tailored for them. It examines the developmental characteristics of each group within psychological and social frameworks, emphasizing skills for analyzing the psychological, social, and health challenges faced by each age group to identify their distinct needs. The course also includes practical elements involving the design of counseling plans and programs to address age-specific issues, grounded in various counseling theories to achieve optimal mental health outcomes. The course is delivered through interactive lectures, workshops, and practical case studies. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to understand the needs of youth and the elderly and to design specialized counseling programs to meet these needs.

Prerequisite: Developmental Psychology – COU 2040

COU 3060 - School Counseling

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of school counseling, including its definition, importance, and guiding principles, as well as the roles, areas of practice, and procedural steps involved. The course explores various school counseling techniques and methods for collecting information within the counseling process, such as observation, interviews, and case conferences. Emphasis is placed on practical applications, training students to develop annual school counseling plans that address the psychological and educational developmental requirements across different educational stages, in addition to conducting case studies on a range of school-related scenarios. The course is delivered through interactive lectures, workshops, and hands-on case studies. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply school counseling concepts effectively and create comprehensive counseling plans and case studies.

Prerequisite: Family Counseling Theories – COU 3030

COU 3070 - Social and Family Issues

This course aims to provide students with the tools and knowledge required to understand the challenges facing contemporary communities and families. It examines concepts related to social and family issues, their causes, and contributing factors, alongside an analysis of the social, economic, and cultural reasons leading to these challenges. The course further entails an evaluation of various proposed solutions and their effectiveness, training students to research information on social and family issues from reliable sources. By the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate increased awareness of social and family issues, recognize their roles within society, and develop skills in analyzing complex issues and proposing solutions from a standpoint of responsibility to contribute to the resolution of social and family challenges.

Prerequisite: None

COU 3080 - Sexual Education within the Family

This course aims to equip students with essential knowledge of sexual education concepts and their significance for children, with a particular focus on enhancing protection against abuse and sexual exploitation. The curriculum addresses social and cultural theoretical frameworks, along with approaches to sexual education in schools and the foundational principles of designing community awareness programs. The course is delivered through interactive lectures, analysis of real-life case studies, practical workshops, presentations, and group activities. By the end of the course, students will be capable of understanding and applying fundamental sexual education concepts, analyzing relevant theoretical frameworks, and designing educational and training programs to raise awareness in this field.

Prerequisite: None

COU 4000 - Counseling Skills

This course aims to provide students with essential knowledge and skills in the field of counseling by reviewing the personal and professional characteristics of an effective counselor and presenting key strategies that impact the counseling process. The course covers a variety of skills that must be mastered when delivering counseling services, including counseling interview skills, cognitive and behavioral techniques, as well as case study methods, referral strategies, and the preparation of psychological reports. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, practical workshops, and applied case studies. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to effectively apply counseling skills, prepare psychological reports with competence, and provide the necessary counseling support in a professional manner.

Prerequisite: None

COU 4010 - Marital and Family Counseling and Guidance

This course aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of family and the factors influencing changes in family structures, with an emphasis on equipping them with knowledge related to marital and family counseling theories. The course enhances students' capabilities in family assessment and counseling skills, including essential techniques and diagnostic assessment methods. Additionally, it includes practical aspects focused on the development of counseling programs to address specific marital or family challenges. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, analysis of practical case studies, and hands-on workshops. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand family counseling theories, apply assessment and diagnostic skills, and design comprehensive counseling programs.

Prerequisite: Family Counseling Theories – COU 3030.

COU 4020 - Introduction to Psychological Testing and Measurement

This course aims to introduce students to psychological and cognitive assessments in terms of their structure, composition, and the theoretical assumptions that underpin them. The course covers the application of personality tests, cognitive assessments, and vocational interest tests, as well as the standards used to determine the psychometric and clinical implications of these assessments. It also presents key field tests and highlights the ethical and professional guidelines for their administration to ensure reliable results that can be utilized in counseling processes. The course includes interactive lectures, practical applications, case studies, and workshops that offer students the opportunity to practice administering tests. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the structure of psychological assessments, apply them, evaluate their results accurately, and adhere to ethical and professional standards.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Social Statistics – FS 2110.

COU 4030 - Family Counseling in Communication Media

This course aims to introduce students to modern communication media and the mechanisms for utilizing them in family counseling processes. It addresses the classification of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and how to leverage these platforms for individual and group counseling, as well as designing awareness programs and providing psychological and social support. The course emphasizes the development of students' skills in producing and evaluating counseling content disseminated through communication media, utilizing interactive lectures, case studies, workshops, and practical applications. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to effectively employ social media in family counseling and to produce and evaluate impactful counseling content that enhances psychological and social support for families.

Prerequisite: None

- Graduation 4000- internship

This course aims to provide students with comprehensive practical experience by applying academic concepts and theories in real-world professional settings. During the 120-hour training period over 10 weeks, students work under academic and field supervision in social institutions, such as family centers, care homes, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities related to family services. The training focuses on several stages, including assessing family issues, planning appropriate interventions, implementing them in the field, and monitoring outcomes. Students are required to submit regular analytical reports, with ongoing supervision to ensure quality performance and the development of professional skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to efficiently apply theoretical knowledge in actual work environments, preparing them to address family and social challenges and to prepare professional reports that reflect their skills and competencies, thereby enhancing their readiness for integration into the job market.

Prerequisite: Completion of 90 credit hours

HR 4040 - Labor Law and Social Legislation

This course aims to provide students with in-depth legal knowledge regarding the frameworks of labor law and social legislation, highlighting the importance of enforcing labor law provisions for employees, employers, and society. The course covers categories exempt from labor contracts and trains students in the legal drafting of employment contracts, distinguishing them from other types of contracts. It concludes with a study of social security law and its role in ensuring citizens' economic security, focusing on its key characteristics and the obligations it imposes on private sector employers. The course is delivered through interactive lectures, legal case studies, and practical workshops. By the end of the course, students will be able to comprehend labor law provisions and social legislation, draft employment contracts with legal proficiency, and analyze the legal obligations related to social security.

Prerequisite: None

COU 4040 - Development of Awareness Programs in Family and Community Counseling

This course aims to provide students with foundational knowledge and principles for developing awareness programs in the field of family and community counseling, along with analyzing various awareness guides through different theoretical perspectives. The course covers topics related to program development and awareness strategies, focusing on equipping students with skills to prepare and design programs that address family and community issues. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, real-life case analysis, hands-on workshops, and presentations. By the end of the course, students will be capable of understanding the fundamentals of program development, critically analyzing awareness guides, and designing effective awareness programs that address specific issues in family and community counseling.

Prerequisite: Family Counseling Theories – COU 3030.

HR 4080 - Legal Framework of Family and community  Counseling

This course introduces students to the legal rules, their characteristics, and the hierarchy of legislation in the United Arab Emirates, specifically concerning family and family counseling. It involves studying international and Arab conventions related to family and child rights, as well as providing essential knowledge about the counselor’s rights and legal responsibilities regarding professional practices. The course emphasizes the importance and authority of advisory committees within the legal context and regulations governing counseling processes in the country. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of raising awareness of counseling within a sound legal framework by developing skills in analyzing family legal issues and the ability to frame and resolve problems from legal perspectives. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to analyze and interpret the legislative system related to family law.

Prerequisite: None

Graduation 4010- Graduation Project

This course aims to empower students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their study of Family Sciences within the three specializations: Community Counseling, Social Services Management, and Human Rights. The course focuses on preparing a research plan that addresses a unique psychological issue, utilizing the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses. Students will rely on theoretical evidence to support their hypotheses and will employ appropriate statistical methods to verify them, with the goal of arriving at solutions to the problem. The course requires the preparation of a research report in accordance with research methodologies in social and psychological sciences, followed by its presentation and discussion before a specialized scientific committee. The course is taught through individual supervision, academic guidance, and practical workshops. By the end of the course, students will be capable of preparing a comprehensive applied research project that addresses a specific issue through scientific methods.

Prerequisite: Completion of 105 credit hours.