Human Development and Family Studies, BS

University of Alabama

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) focuses on helping children, families, and relationships thrive. Students majoring in HDFS have a genuine concern for children and families and seek the challenge of helping people learn, solve life problems, and successfully interact with others. Students gain an understanding of the development of the family system, the dynamics of family relationships, and an understanding of growth and development throughout the lifespan. HDFS offers concentrations in adolescence and youth development, child life, and family life education and advocacy. The HDFS major with no concentration provides a flexible curriculum and may be particularly appealing for double-majors or students preparing for professional degrees (e.g., medical school).

The concentration in Child Life offered online prepares you to become an expert in the growth and development of both healthy and hospitalized children.

Types of Jobs Accepted

HDFS graduates often pursue graduate study at UA or other prominent universities, or they develop careers in various settings for children, youth, and adults. Most importantly, HDFS graduates work in rewarding careers ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals and families.

Family studies graduates find jobs as family relationships/parenting educators in businesses, mental health agencies, and community or church-related programs. Child life graduates work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and large pediatric practices. Adolescence and youth graduates work in private clinics, human service organizations, community-sponsored programs or with youth groups in churches, synagogues, and other privately funded organizations.

• Family Life Education and Advocacy
• Adolescence and Youth Development
• Child Life