Human Development and Family Science (B.S.)

Department of Health and Human Sciences

Explore the world of human development and family sciences at Bridgewater College. Coursework emphasizes diversity in families throughout the life cycle. Complete coursework in human development across the life span, as well as family sciences.

Choose from two tracks: Human Development and Family Studies, or Family and Consumer Sciences Education, according to your career goals and interests. Your degree in human development and family sciences will prepare you for a variety of careers, including human services settings such as:

  • Early childhood education
  • Foster care and after-school programs
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Non-profit work
  • Marriage and family counseling
  • Retirement and adult care

BC also offers a child development laboratory, giving you unique opportunities for real-life application of course concepts with 3, 4 and 5 year-old children. The child development laboratory is the only one of its kind in Virginia. If you wish to be licensed to teach family and consumer sciences, you must also be admitted to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (grades 6-12) or the Elementary Teacher Education Program.

The Human Development and Family Science undergraduate program at Bridgewater College has been reviewed by the National Council on Family Relations. It has been recognized as an NCFR CFLE-approved program offering coursework covering the content required for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation. Graduates of NCFR CFLE-approved programs qualify to apply for the CFLE designation via an Abbreviated Application Process.

CFLE Approved
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Program Delivery
On-Campus
Area(s) of Study
Child/Human Development and Family Science/Studies
Concentrations
Human Development and Family Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Department Chair