FAMILY STUDIES OPTION

in the HDFS Major

The family studies option of the Human Development and Family Studies major provides opportunities to study family systems and human development across the lifespan. Two assumptions are basic to the philosophy underlying the program. First, an understanding of individual human development is possibly only within a social context, and families are an essential component of this context. Second, an understanding of family functioning and family structure is possible only if families are viewed in a larger societal context, including historical change, social class, ethnicity and public policy. In line with this philosophy, students learn about human development from conception to old age, study different family relationships and changing family structures, and discover how families meet routine, as well as serious, challenges.

The family studies option offers students great flexibility to pursue individually tailored programs through course work and an internship. However, the family studies program should not be regarded as leading to a terminal professional degree. Family studies graduates with a bachelor’s degree obtain a variety of entry level jobs in human service agencies, business, and government, but if your goal is to pursue a professional career in human services specialized graduate training in highly recommended.

The family studies program provides an excellent foundation for graduate study leading to professions such as education, school counseling, social work, law, marriage and family therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, and medicine. Our students have competed well for graduate programs in these areas. The program also prepares students for research-based graduate studies leading to doctoral degrees in human development and family studies, developmental psychology, and family sociology.

Learn more about the Family Studies Curriculum here.

Family Studies Option Curriculum

Undergrad Learning Goals and Courses