Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.
Overview
Our B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies prepares students for careers serving as advocates and educators, and supports working with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and their families. Students graduating from this program will be well-equipped with UNCG’s strength-based approach to study and work in professional positions serving individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
This program is offered in person and online. Students will learn from and be mentored by faculty who are nationally recognized experts in their field, to develop the skills and competencies that both employers and graduate school admissions’ review committees are looking for.
Program Overview
Field-Based Internship
- Students gain real-world experience with a field-based internship that addresses prevention, intervention, and education practices relating to children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and their families.
Student Organization
- Students make connections through the Collaborative of HDFS Professionals student group.
Honors Projects
- Students work on HDFS Disciplinary Honors projects under the supervision of HDFS faculty members.
Language & Culture Immersion
- Students have the opportunity to increase knowledge of different cultures and improve language skills by participating in Study Abroad programs offered during summers or regular semesters, many of which are particularly relevant to HDFS majors. These include:
- A summer program at Stellenbosch University in South Africa focusing on collaboration with schools and non-profit organizations in historically disadvantaged communities.
- A semester abroad at the University of Oulu in Finland to complete courses in human development, comparative education, and learning.
- A faculty-led summer study abroad experience in Italy that exposes students to multiple early childhood approaches and increases understanding of early childhood education in international perspective as students visit early childhood educational programs, implement activities for children, and reflect upon different early childhood philosophies of teaching.
Potential Career Paths
- Graduate School
- Counseling
- Social Work
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Public Health Education
- Higher Education Administration
- Early Childhood Literacy
- Youth and Family Services
- Child Advocacy Organizations
- Child/Family Crisis Intervention Centers
- Family Resorts
- Family Service Agencies
- Immigration & Migrant Family Services
- Residential Treatment Facilities for Children
- Teen Pregnancy Services
- Intervention Centers, including Crisis Intervention Centers, Real Crisis Centers, and Crisis Hotlines
- Drug & Alcohol Prevention Programs
- Health-Related Agencies, such as Hospitals and Pregnancy Care Centers
- Family Liaison in Hospital
- Aging and Adult Services
- Activity Coordinator or Program Director in Retirement Facilities
- Residential Care for Elderly, such as Activity/Social Planner/Director or Exercise Planner
- Extended Care Centers and Adult Day Care
- Senior Citizen Groups
- Council on Aging
- Communities and Schools
- Community Service Agencies, such as YWCA, YMCA, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, United Way, Volunteer Action Centers, Family Support Network, and Planned Parenthood
- Cooperative Extension
- State Agencies
- Foster Care Programs
- Guardian ad Litem
- Military Family Support Services
- Government Agencies
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Universities or Research Centers
- Research Technician/Assistant
Many graduates pursue careers in community, family, health, education, nonprofit, and government service organizations. Career opportunities are also available through state and federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
Additional career areas include:
- Aging and Adult Services
- Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
- Disability Determination Services
- Services for the Blind
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing
- Public Health
- Child Developmental Services Agency
- Mental Health Developmental Centers & Schools for Children
- Child Development
- School-Age Specialist
- Behavior Specialist
- Infant/Toddler Specialist
- Public Health Department
- WIC
- Breastfeeding Classes
- Childbirth
- Nutrition
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Adoption Services
- Educational Organizations
- Faith-Based Organizations, including Ministry, Family Life Education, Parenting Education, and Youth Programs
- United Way Organization
