In this program, students gain the knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers serving individuals and families across the lifespan. Courses are designed to help students deal with current issues confronting families and children in the nation and the world.
Students have the opportunity to work with internationally recognized faculty on important research projects that can help society better understand human development and family relationships with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
Students are required to complete a practicum experience in agencies that provide hands-on experience so they are prepared to enter the workforce when they graduate. The program has a reputation for producing highly qualified professionals who are employed across the state and nation when the graduate with a bachelors degree. Students are also well prepared for graduate school.
Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Emphases:
- Family and Community Services: In this research-guided emphasis, students learn to work with families across the lifespan. They develop strong skills in family life education, ethics, professionalism, and program development.
- Child Development: In this emphasis students learn about social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development and the environments that support optimal growth in these areas. The importance of relationships and early childhood education are also emphasized.
- Family Finance: This emphasis prepares students to be financial counselors and to help individuals and families make decisions relating to insurance, investing, credit, budgeting, and home ownership.
- Human Development Lifespan: Students learn about addressing the developmental needs of individuals and families. Through applied experiences students engage with individuals, families, social agencies and organizations.