Human Development and Family Science BA

What to Expect in the HDFS Program

Your degree in human development and family science will prepare you for careers in a variety of human services settings.

Have an impact on issues affecting individuals, families and communities through experiential learning courses.

A degree in Human Development & Family Science prepares you for high-demand careers centered around making a positive difference for people. Our students go into retirement centers and work as family outreach coordinators, working as directors or assistant directors of daycare centers. Others go into nonprofit work or own their own businesses, focusing on developing healthy families, such as parenting education.”

-Dr. Donna Hoskins, Assistant Professor

Courses in Human Development and Family Science

You’ll take courses in child and adolescent development, family dynamics, research methods, ethics, aging, and diversity. Electives and practica help you tailor your path based on career goals—whether in advocacy, teaching or counseling.

• Courses focused on human development ranging from child, adolescent and adult development.
• Family science courses like family resource management, family law & public policy and family life methodology.
• Courses that could prepare students for a career in marriage and family counseling like interpersonal & marital relationships and parent & child relations.
• A senior capstone course where students synthesize research in a particular area of family and consumer sciences to complete a research project.

Career Paths with a Degree in HDFS

With a degree in human development and family science, you’ll be prepared to support individuals and families in a variety of settings, including schools, nonprofits, government agencies and health care.

• Family life educator
• Youth program coordinator
• Case manager
• Early childhood educator
• School counselor (with additional credentials)
• Social worker (with MSW)
• Marriage and family therapist (with advanced degree)
• Gerontologist
• Community outreach coordinator
• Human services specialist