Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS)
HDFS Career Information
What can you do with an HDFS degree?
We are very interested in helping our students explore their career interests. Students in HDFS can go on to many interesting and exciting careers. About half of our students take jobs immediately after graduation and about half go on to advanced training in graduate or professional schools.
First year career course. We begin early in career exploration. During the fall semester of the first year, students take a course in which they have a chance to meet professionals in a wide range of fields and explore the educational requirements and experiences that are needed to succeed in these careers.
Opportunties for experience and internships. One of the big advantgages of our program is that students have many opportunities to gain experience during their time as a student. Students have many opportunities to participate in our Child Development Laboratory, the Family Resiliency Center, Child Care Resource Service or The Autism Program. In their junior and senior years all students are encouraged to participate in a semester-long internship in a human or family services agency (HDFS 450).
More information on specific careers. HDFS graduates find employment in child care services, family life education, human services, pediatric services in hospitals, or business activities related to children or families. Many students continue their education in graduate or professional school to earn the credentials needed to become counselors, occupational therapists, marriage and family therapists, social workers and many more.
To find out more about different professional careers including job opportunities, training, educational requirements, salaries and more look at the resources in each of these career areas:
- Early Care and Education
- Higher Education (College/University)
- Child and Family Social Services
- Health-Related Professions
- Public Administration/Law/Human Resources
- Counseling/Clinical Professions
Suggested Courses for HDFS Majors Planning Careers in These Areas