WHAT IS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES?

WHAT IS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES?



Students who study human development and family studies (HDFS) gain an understanding of how individuals and families develop across the life span and how individuals and families are shaped by the environment and culture. HDFS students learn how to optimize individual well-being, strengthen family relationships, and become leaders in community, education, and work settings that focus on issues which include, but are not limited to:
Teen pregnancy
Sexuality education
Child and elder abuse
Grandparents raising grandchildren
Balancing work and family
Drug and alcohol abuse
Media literacy
Divorce
Romantic relationships
Parenting
Family diversity
Children with special needs
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES DEGREE?
Jobs one can get if they focus on HDFS include, but are not limited to:
Family caseworker
Addictions counselor
Intimate partner violence case manager
Rehabilitation counselor
Child care worker
Child life specialist or educator
Family life educator
Youth services case worker (e.g., at Big Brothers/Big Sisters or a coalition for community services)
Child protective services (or Department of Children and Family Services) case manager
Adoption agency case worker
Probation officer**Note that you have to get your Master’s degree to be considered a “licensed Social Worker” or “professional counselor” (e.g., see www.nbcc.org)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES MAJORS:
Some professional associations with which HDFS majors may want to consider getting involved (this will depend on exact career interests):
• American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
• National Council on Family Relations
• Society for Research on Child Development
• The Council for Exceptional Children
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• National Child Care Association
• International Association for Relationships Research
• Society for Research on Adolescence
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer SciencesThere are many more professional associations in which one can get involved as a HDFS major. Talk to your advisors and mentors about professional associations you can get involved with that match your career interests.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES MAJORS:
CAREER SKILLET ARTICLES ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES:
Stay tuned…more information to come.

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