University of Alabama

Department of Human Development & Family Studies
CFLE approved

About the Program

Last Updated: 
September 20, 2011

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers undergraduate concentrations in child life, early child development, and family studies. The concentration in family studies provides an understanding of the development of the family system and the dynamics of family relationships. It leads to certification as a Family Life Educator by the National Council on Family Relations. This concentration prepares students to work in a variety of educational and enrichment programs such as parenting programs, family service agencies, industry, schools, social-service, churches, home economics, and 4-H extension. This concentration is also well suited for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy as well as other areas in family studies.

The Department offers a master's degree in human development and family studies with concentrations in Human Development and Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Parent and Family Life Education. The Parent and Family Life Education program leads to certification as a Family Life Educator by the National Council on Family Relations.  The Department also collaborates with the Department of Psychology to offer doctoral study in Developmental Science.

 

Program Overview

Program Administrator: 
Dr. Carroll Tingle
Department Emphasis: 
Area Percentage
  Family Science33%
  Human Development34%
  Family Therapy33%
Campus Enrollment: 
31,000
Programs Options: 
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral

Undergraduate Program

Program Options: 
  • Adolescence & Family Studies (Dual Concentration)
  • Adolescence & Youth
  • Child Life
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Family Studies
  • Human Development & Family Studies
Courses Offered: 
  • Lifespan Development
  • Child Development: Infancy & Toddlerhood
  • Child Development: Preschool
  • Marriage & the Family
  • Child Development: Adolescence
  • Conceptual & Creative Experiences for Young Children I & II
  • Parent & Family Development
  • Cultural Influences on Children, Youth, & Families
  • Adult Development
  • Administering Children's Centers & Programs
  • Human Development & Family Studies Internship
  • Hospitalized Children & Youth
  • Loss & Bereavement
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Human Sexuality
  • Program Evaluation
  • Children of Divorce
  • Methods of Family Life Education
  • Senior Seminar
  • Directed Individual Study in Human Development
  • Directed Individual Study in Family Studies
  • Directed Research
Comments: 

The concentration in family studies provides an understanding of the development of the family system and the dynamics of family relationships. It leads to certification as a Family Life Educator by the National Council on Family Relations. This concentration prepares students to work in a variety of educational and enrichment programs such as parenting programs, family service agencies, industry, schools, social-service, churches, home economics, and 4-H extension. This concentration is also well suited for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy as well as other areas in family studies.

Graduate Program

Director: 
Dr. Carroll Tingle
Courses Offered: 
  • Child Development
  • Adult Development
  • Infant/Toddler Curriculum and Program Design
  • Cultural Influences on Children and Families
  • Parent/Child Relationships
  • Theories in Family Studies
  • Dynamics of Family Relations
  • Family Assessment
  • Seminar in Human Sexuality
  • Special Problems in Human Development and Family Studies
  • Children of Divorce
  • Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies
  • Thesis Research
  • Advanced Infant Development
  • Advanced Adult Development
  • Observational Methods in Developmental Research
  • Readings in Human Development
  • Theoretical Issues in Family Studies
  • Family Crises
  • Practicum in Human Development
  • Nondissertation Research

Master's Level

Program Options: 
  • Human Development and Family Studies (thesis required)
  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Parent and Family Life Education (internship required)

Doctoral Level

Program Options: 
  • Developmental Science
Comments: 

The Ph.D. concentration in developmental science is offered in collaboration with the Department of Psychology.

CFLE Information

NCFR recognizes schools offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with course work that follows the Standards and Criteria required for approval as a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). NCFR approval allows the school to offer their graduates the opportunity to apply for Provisional Certification using the Abbreviated Application process. The CFLE Checklist represents the courses that meet the CFLE criteria at that school. Students must complete all the courses on a checklist in order to qualify to apply for the CFLE designation through the Abbreviated Application process.

Download the CFLE Checklist

Faculty

Faculty at University of Alabama