SNU Renames Family Studies & Gerontology Program to Human Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, Okla.] - Southern Nazarene University (SNU) has officially renamed its Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies & Gerontology program to the Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, effective June 8, 2026. The change, approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), better reflects the program’s comprehensive focus on human development, social services, aging, and family dynamics.
While the program name has changed, the curriculum, learning outcomes, and academic quality remain unchanged. Students will continue to receive the same preparation for careers dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities through a broad range of helping professions.
“There are many reasons we determined the need to rename the Family Studies and Gerontology program, but perhaps the most critical reason relates directly to connecting our graduates with employment opportunities,” explained Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Program Director, Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin. “We are learner-centric in our approach to education, so we are always looking for ways to increase the benefits of their educational investment. The benefits for our learners weighed heavily in this decision.”
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Services equips students with knowledge and skills applicable to careers in social services, nonprofit and community organizations, aging services, family support programs, and other service-oriented professions. The degree also provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue graduate education in counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, and other related fields.
The new program name aligns with terminology commonly used throughout the helping professions and higher education, providing greater clarity for prospective students, employers, and graduate schools while maintaining the program’s long-standing commitment to preparing graduates for lives of service and leadership.
“In a highly competitive professional market, adopting Human Services as a program title bridges the gap between a strong academic program of study and the professional career path for our graduates more directly. This shift will immediately make our graduates identifiable to employers,” said Dr. Joiner Martin. “Often, employers, including government agencies and nonprofits, list the Human Services option as a degree preference when posting available positions while seeking employees to work with a myriad of populations. Our graduates are equipped to meet human needs, improve quality of life, and make a positive difference for the individual, family, and community within the context of the helping profession.”
Southern Nazarene University remains committed to offering relevant, career-focused academic programs that meet workforce needs and support students in achieving their educational, personal, and professional goals.
For more information about the Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, please visit our website.
About Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.
