Human Development and Family Studies
Understand People. Change the World.
Why do people do what they do?
Dive into the complex world of human development. Explore human behavior, family dynamics, and social, physiological, emotional, and mental growth from childhood through aging. Learn to tackle real-world issues impacting individuals and families with flexible learning options tailored to your goals.
What You'll Do
Research-Backed Learning
Learn directly from expert researchers studying the science of human development and family dynamics.
Specialized Credentials
Gain recognized certifications in Early Childhood, Gerontology (older adults), or prepare for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation.
Flexible Practicum
Get hands-on experience through agency work, community teaching, or research projects tailored to your location and schedule.
Career Readiness
Build practical, high-demand skills to support human well-being across diverse community settings or prepare for graduate study.
What Can I Do With This Major?
A degree in Human Development and Family Studies opens doors to meaningful careers in human services, family support, and community advocacy.
Family Advocacy & Social Services
- Child Protective Services (CPS) Specialist: Investigate child safety concerns, conduct family assessments, and coordinate safety plans.
- Foster Care & Adoption Caseworker: Screen prospective foster/adoptive parents, manage child placements, and support families through legal and emotional transitions.
- Family Preservation & Support Specialist: Work directly with families in crisis to teach parenting skills, de-escalation, and connect them with community assistance.
- Victim & Crisis Advocate: Provide immediate safety planning, court advocacy, and emergency navigation in domestic violence shelters or crisis centers.
- Juvenile Justice Case Manager: Manage rehabilitation, probation oversight, and community diversion plans for at-risk youth within county or state agencies.
- Substance Use / Residential Facility Specialist: Provide non-clinical case management, life-skills training, and client intake support in treatment or recovery centers.
Family Assistance & Community Education
- Family Life Educator: Teach evidence-based community workshops on parenting, relationship communication, financial literacy, and stress management.
- Community Program Coordinator / Director: Plan, manage, and oversee budgets for non-profit initiatives, family resource centers, or community action agencies.
- Volunteer & Outreach Manager: Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for non-profit organizations, food banks, and youth mentorship networks.
- Community Health & Wellness Educator: Design public health education and outreach materials for local health departments or healthcare systems.
Early Care, Youth & Lifespan Development
- Preschool / Child Care Center Director & Owner: Oversee staff, state licensing compliance, curriculum, and operations for private, franchise, or independent early childhood centers.
- Head Start / Early Head Start Lead Teacher: Lead classrooms, direct development strategies, and facilitate family engagement in federally funded early learning programs.
- Private / Independent Preschool Educator: Design curriculum and lead classrooms in private academies, Montessori environments, or specialized early learning centers.
- Youth & Recreation Program Director: Direct after-school enrichment, summer camps, and youth leadership programs for organizations like the YMCA or Boys & Girls Clubs.
- Gerontology / Senior Care Manager: Coordinate care plans, social activities, and community resources for older adults in assisted living facilities or county aging services.
- Child Life Assistant / Activity Coordinator: Support pediatric patients and families in hospital settings by organizing therapeutic play activities.
Quick Links & Resources
Career & Employment Resources
USU Resources
Graduates qualify for the abbreviated track toward becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).