Human Development and Family Science Program Receives NCFR CFLE Renewal Approval

Published on October 5, 2020 by Leighton Doores

The human development and family science undergraduate program at Orlean Beeson School of Education has been reviewed by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) and has again been recognized as an NCFR CFLE-approved program offering coursework covering the content required for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation. Graduates of NCFR CFLE-approved programs qualify to apply for the CFLE designation via the CFLE-approved program process.

The program approval recognizes the inclusion of relevant course work for each of 10 family life education content areas needed for the CFLE designation and will be valid until early 2025.

This designation recognizes a broad, comprehensive range of issues constituting family life education. It acknowledges the preventive focus of family life education and assures that the designate has met or exceeded the high standards and criteria needed to provide quality family life education.

“This renewed affirmation of our human development and family science program from NCFR speaks to the strengths of the program,” said Orlean Beeson School of Education Dean Anna McEwan. “Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to ensuring our students are offered the very best resources and highest quality curriculum. We are thankful for the partnership with NCFR and their ongoing support of our school’s mission.”

Those with the CFLE designation work in a variety of settings including service agencies, mental health centers, colleges and universities, community education, secondary and elementary schools, military family support centers, corporations, family planning agencies, hospitals, day care centers, faith-based organizations, education departments, and private practice.

Prior to its renewal, the human development and family science program has been a CFLE-approved program since 1999.

The human development and family science program at Orlean Beeson School of Education recognizes the crucial role of families in society and the curriculum focuses on personal relationships and their connection to and impact on human living and development. Samford’s mission and values lend perfectly to learning how to best educate the family. In addition to the primary program, there are concentrations offered in child development education, child life and gerontology and accelerated degree programs including a fast-track master's in public health, fast-track master's in social work, and a 3+3 law degree.

Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.