A young girl wrapping her arms around her mother

Family Science and Human Development

Family Science and Human Development (formerly known as Family and Child Studies) is an interdisciplinary field that teaches you how to understand individuals, families and communities from a holistic point of view with an emphasis on social justice. We provide our students with hands-on, real-life experiences through internships and fieldwork. As a discipline, we focus on understanding people and families in their homes, schools and communities, rather than laboratories. Our graduates go on to have fulfilling careers supporting children and families where and when they need it the most.

Career Opportunities

  • Family Mediator
  • Group Counseling Facilitator
  • Immigration Advocate
  • Judicial Mediator/Case Worker
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Outreach coordinator
  • Program Director
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher

Undergraduate Programs

BA in Family Science and Human Development, Families, Children and School Settings Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Science and Human Development prepares students for careers working with youth and families in various settings. The Families, Children and School Settings concentration prepares students to pursue certification for teaching in schools Preschool through Grade 3 or K-6 level.

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BA in Family Science and Human Development, Families, Children and School Settings Concentration with Teacher Certification in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6

A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree. Additional undergraduate coursework in the certification content area may be required to meet State and University certification standards.

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BA in Family Science and Human Development, Families, Children and School Settings Concentration with Teacher Certification in Preschool through Grade 3

A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree. Additional undergraduate coursework in the certification content area may be required to meet State and University certification standards.

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BA in Family Science and Human Development, Children and School Settings Concentration (Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Grades K- 6 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.)

The Dual Degree Dual Certification program is a 5-year program that leads to teacher certification in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6, teacher certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree.

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BA in Family Science and Human Development, Families, Children and School Settings Concentration (Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Preschool through Grade 3 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.)

The Dual Degree Dual Certification program is a 5-year program that leads to teacher certification in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6, teacher certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree.

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BA in Family Science and Human Development, Family Services Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Science and Human Development prepares students for careers in social service and community-based programs, providing resources and assistance to diverse families. The Family Services concentration emphasizes the study of family development, relationships, dynamics, functioning, health, and resource management.

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Minor in Family Science and Human Development

The interdisciplinary, 18-credit minor in Family Science and Human Development provides an in-depth understanding of individuals, families and communities by exploring multiple perspectives from social sciences and human services.

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Minor in Gerontology

This 18-credit minor explores the social, cultural, psychological and physical aspects of aging. By integrating academic coursework with practical, hands-on learning opportunities, the program prepares students to work in multiple contexts with a diverse population of senior citizens and their families.

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Graduate Programs

PhD in Family Science and Human Development

The PhD in Family Science and Human Development is a forty-eight credit program.

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