Diploma in Community, Family & Child Studies at Camosun College

Community, Family & Child Studies makes a difference

Using social justice principles, the Community, Family & Child Studies diploma prepares you to promote, support and strengthen the well-being of individuals and families. Graduates work as caring, ethical professionals who adapt to meet current and emergent community needs.

A career in caring

The Community, Family and Child Studies (CFCS) program leads you toward a career as a caring, ethical professional in a wide range of community and social service settings.

Working through this dynamic, professional two-year program, you'll acquire the skills and values needed to promote, strengthen and support the well-being of individuals and families.

Are you inspired by the thought of working for equality, fairness and freedom for all? Are you intrigued by the thought of establishing a career based on positive change, working with individuals and families in a variety of community and social service settings? If you answered yes to all the above, then CFCS is the perfect path for you.

What to expect

Located at our Lansdowne campus, our program is two years, if taken full time. As a full time student, you'll take approximately five courses per semester. You can expect an additional 15 to 30 hours per week for homework, depending on your learning style.

Assessment occurs in all courses, and may include research papers, reflective journals, projects, presentations, and exams. It is a rigorous program with a combination of academic and hands-on practical experiences. You will develop leadership skills and participate in planning, advocacy and civic engagement activities to strengthen community.

Year 1

Your first year will include courses in lifespan development, family and community, professional practice, academic writing strategies, an introduction to community resources, and you’ll work with your classmates to develop and implement a project that contributes to the community.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll take courses and gain experience in an off-campus practicum to enhance your relationship and support skills with an emphasis on diversity, current community issues and social justice. Practicum is a great place to begin to develop your professional reputation.