Department of Family Science | University of Maryland

Families are the foundation of society and the public’s health. The vision of the Department of Family Science is to promote the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of all families in order to eliminate the burden of disease and health disparities, and to foster resilience and social justice.

Staff therapist participating in a counseling session of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland.

Degrees

Undergraduate degree
Masters and doctoral degrees

Learn more

Student sitting down and smiling while having a peer therapy session

Research & Service

Current research
Labs and centers

Learn more

Female student standing outside of the department of Family Science

Student Resources

Resources
Student opportunities

Learn more

Female student smiling wearing a black top

Gabrielle Frohlich, BS '21

"Family science offers you this very deep lens into who somebody is and helps you understand them in a way that no other fields of study can really help you do."

Read a Q&A with Gabrielle

Connect With Us

Get in Touch With Our Program Directors

BS, Family Health Program

Careema Yusuf
Academic Advisor
fmscadvisor@umd.edu; cyusuf@umd.edu
(301) 405-4003

Dr. Amy Lewin
Associate Professor, Family Health Honors Program
alewin@umd.edu; 301-405-3581
School of Public Health, Office 1142P

MS, Couple and Family Therapy

Mariana K. Falconier, PhD, LCMFT (MD), LMFT (VA)
Program Director
marianak@umd.edu
(301) 405-4004

PhD, Family Science

Sherri-Chanelle Brighthaupt, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Family Science
sbright@umd.edu
(301) 405-3500

PhD, Maternal and Child Health

Sherri-Chanelle Brighthaupt, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Family Science
sbright@umd.edu
(301) 405-3500

graphic with words 2026 NONPARTISAN GUIDE TO BALLOT ISSUES AFFECTING FAMILIES, with a graphic image to the right of a man putting a piece of paper into a box that says VOTE

October 20, 2026

One vote, many decisions and one guide to help with them all

As misinformation permeates the web, one Family Science class is gearing up to combat it by building a factual, nonpartisan election guide to key public health-related ballot initiatives across the country.

View Article

Illustration of mutliple diverse women head and shoulders overlapping each other

July 22, 2026

Data analysis shows no increase in mental health prescriptions after abortion

As more women globally turn to medications to have abortions, a UMD-led study out today in JAMA Psychiatry found no evidence that a first medication or procedural abortion caused an increase in mental health medication use.

View Article

July 16, 2026

SPH welcomes Mitch Mokhtari as associate dean for faculty affairs

This month, SPH Professor Mitch Mokhtari will expand his role within the School of Public Health (SPH) as its associate dean for faculty affairs. He brings decades of academic, administrative and global experience to the leadership position.

View Article

View All News

Accelerated BS+MPH Program Information Sessions

The Accelerated BS+MPH Program allows select students from any of our bachelor's degree programs (Family Health, Global Health, Kinesiology, Public Health Practice, and Public...

2026-09-22T12:00:00

2026-12-15T12:00:00

View Event

Using AI Tools to Advance your Career Goals

This session will focus on using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot to boost your career goals. Wherever you are in your career journey, you can leverage AI at...

2026-11-13T12:00:00

View Event

This is Public Health Virtual Fair

Prospective graduate students are invited to attend the Public Health Graduate School Virtual Fair! Meet admissions representatives from 75 schools and programs of public health in...

2026-11-17T12:00:00

View Event

View All Events

a grad cap that reads, "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire"

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

As a member of the Department of Family Science, you will be a part of the effort to promote the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of all families in order to eliminate the burden of disease and health disparities, and to foster resilience and social justice. Join our program!

How to Apply

Request more Info