Human Development and Family Studies, BS

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) focuses on helping children, families, and relationships thrive. Students majoring in HDFS have a genuine concern for children and families and seek the challenge of helping people learn, solve life problems, and successfully interact with others. Students gain an understanding of the development of the family system, the dynamics of family relationships, and an understanding of growth and development throughout the lifespan. HDFS offers concentrations in adolescence and youth development, child life, and family life education and advocacy. The HDFS major with no concentration provides a flexible curriculum and may be particularly appealing for double-majors or students preparing for professional degrees (e.g., medical school). 

Concentrations

Adolescence and Youth Development - A major in HDFS with a concentration in adolescence and youth development is available for students who are interested in the growth and development of adolescents and youth within the family, peer, and school contexts. The goal of this concentration is to prepare students for work with youth and adolescents in a variety of settings including community-based programs, family service agencies, and mental-health agencies, or for graduate studies in a variety of fields. This concentration has a one-semester internship requirement.

Family Life Education and Advocacy - A major in HDFS with a concentration in family life education and advocacy is available for students who are interested in family relations and want to learn how to create and deliver educational programming to enhance family functioning. Graduates may qualify for certification as a Family Life Educator by the National Council on Family Relations. The goal of this concentration is to prepare students for work with families in a variety of settings including community-based programs, family service agencies, and mental-health agencies, or for graduate studies in a variety of fields. This concentration has a one-semester internship requirement.

Child Life - A major in HDFS with a concentration in child life is for students who wish to pursue the healthcare career of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). The curriculum consists of a comprehensive foundation of courses related to child development, family systems, and play, as well as coursework specific to children in the healthcare setting. Laboratory and practicum experiences, along with the conceptual information, provides the foundation necessary to support children and their families in the healthcare setting. Child life specialists provide education about diagnoses and support through procedures, as well as promote development. Graduate are eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination administered by the Child Life Certification Commission of the Association of Child Life Professionals. This concentration requires completion of an internship in a child life clinical setting. A minimum GPA of 3.0, 100 practicum and volunteer hours, competent interviewing skills, and the resources to relocate are basic requirements for students to enter the national competition for a child life internship.