Human Development and Family Studies

Logan Campus

Instructor with kids working in a lab setting.

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:
  • National Council on Family Relations (NCFR):
  • 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)