Human Development and Family Science Option

With a focus on both essential knowledge and skills, the Human Development and Family Science option prepares students for a wide range of careers in non-profit and for-profit settings that promote the well-being of children, families, and communities.

The Human Development and Family Science option is designed to teach students foundational skills and knowledge, and get them out in the world to apply what they've learned. During the coursework, students learn how social systems function and evidence-based ways to intervene to promote well-being. Students also explore research that helps understand how healthy development happens, the causes of developmental challenges, and the science of intervention.

Whether on campus or in the community, students pursue hands-on learning experiences that helps apply their skills and build their resume while exploring their career and personal interests. Advanced course selection and the capstone learning experience help students specialize their plan of study for a particular professional field.

Early career options

Many students in the Human Development and Family Science option enter the workforce immediately after completing the degree program.

• Child, youth, and family services​
• Early childhood education and intervention
• Child advocacy​
• Public welfare services​
• Foster care and adoption​
• Family education and intervention​
• Services for older adults​
• Services for individuals with disabilities​
• Human resource assistant ​

• Program administration and coordination

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Preparation for graduate training

Students in the program often pursue graduate training, either immediately after college or after working in their chosen field for a few years.

• Social work​
• Counseling, including mental health, school counseling, marriage and family, and addiction​
• Applied behavioral health​
• Law, including family law and advocacy
• Public administration
• Public policy​
• Doctoral (research) training in psychology, sociology, or human development​

Many graduate programs seeks students with the combination of knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience that HDFS students are encouraged to develop.