Human Development & Family Science (B.S.)
The courses in our HDFS undergraduate programs help students develop critical thinking skills about evidence in the science of relationships and development. Our students build in-demand, practical skills for working with people in many stages of life, in many types of relationships, and across many social and cultural contexts. Our graduates are equipped for diverse careers working with children, adults, and families. HDFS graduates can also translate these skills to other professional spheres like business settings or prepare for advanced graduate study.
At the undergraduate level, HDFS at Mizzou trains students for careers in Child Life, Families, and Lifespan Development. Students focusing on young children are provided with a strong foundation in child development and opportunities to train directly with children in preschool settings, such as our Child Development Laboratory School. Students who live at a distance and want to focus on caring for and educating young children can earn an undergraduate degree online. The HDFS undergraduate degree offers students the knowledge and training to work in a variety of settings while providing services to improve the lives of children, adults, and families. We have undergraduate child life specialist alumni working with children in hospitals and other healthcare settings; we have families and lifespan development alums working in nonprofit community organizations and working with young children in a variety of educational settings.