As a human development and family sciences major, you'll investigate how human development and family systems influence each other within the context of culture and society. You'll have several opportunities to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings.

When you complete your degree, you'll be ready for graduate school or to serve families and individuals in a variety of settings, including: child care programs; social services; mental health; juvenile justice; and other human service systems. 

You can choose between three emphases: 

Emphasis 1: Family and Individual Development This emphasis focuses on general human development and research. It provides career enhancement if you have prior work experience with individuals and/or families. It will also prepare you to pursue an advanced degree in a related field.

Emphasis 2: Family Social Services This emphasis will train you for a career in social services. It will prepare you to work in family service, juvenile justice, mental health and community welfare agencies. You'll also be ready for graduate study in marriage and family therapy, family and child studies, aging services or social work.

Emphasis 3: Child Development This emphasis will prepare you to serve infants, toddlers and young children, as well as their parents, in home, school and community-based settings. You'll be ready for a career or graduate study focused on areas such as early intervention, early childhood education and leadership/advocacy roles.