Human Development and Family Studies

Understand People, Change the World.

Why do people do what they do? 🤔 Dive into the complex world of human development, exploring human behavior, family dynamics, and social, physiological, emotional, and mental growth from childhood to aging.👶👵 Learn to tackle real-world issues impacting individuals and families with flexible learning options.

What You'll Do (Flexible Options):

• Learn from expert researchers about the science of human development. 🔬
• Gain specialized certifications like Early Childhood, understanding older adults, or prepare for Family Life Educator designation. 📜
• Get hands-on experience in a flexible practicum, with options for agency work, community teaching, or research projects, tailored to your location and needs. 💼
• Build skills for impactful careers, understanding the interconnectedness of human well-being. 📈

Why It Matters (Your Way):

• Make a real difference in people's lives by helping all parts of a person, fitting your learning into your lifestyle. 
• Gain essential skills for life, understanding the nuances of human behavior and development, with learning options that adapt to you. ♾️
• Prepare for a meaningful future, contributing to healthier individuals and stronger communities, with career opportunities across the nation and pathways to graduate school. ✨

 

What can I do with this Major?

Career and Employment Resources

•  USU Career Design Center:
  • Design your career
  • The HDFS Career Coach
  • What can I do with this major?
    

• National Council on Family Relations (NCFR):

  • Career Infographic
  • Exploring Careers in Family Science
  • How to Explain Family Science to Anyone

• Examples of Career and Employment Settings:

  • Family Life Educator (teach community classes—parenting, abuse, finance, life skills)
  • Caseworker (elderly, low-income families, at-risk youth and families, teen parents, unemployed, foster or adoption agencies)
  • Program Director/Coordinator (after-school programs, senior citizen centers, community education, youth programs)
  • Advocate (at-risk youth, families, elderly, victims)
  • Crisis Intervention (work with abuse, neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, natural disasters)
  • Adoption and Foster Care Agencies
  • Child Protective Services
  • Youth Development Programs
  • Drug Treatment Centers
  • Gerontology Programs/Agencies
  • Nonprofit Community Agencies
  • Residential Treatment Programs
  • Child Care Centers
  • Family Service Agencies
  • Government Agencies
  • Recreation Centers
  • Crisis Centers
  • Preschool Teacher (Head Start, Montessori)
  • Child Development Consultant (helps families to improve social and psychological functioning)

Available Minors