Human Development and Family Studies

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3007 William Raggio Building
(775) 784-6637, ext. 2058

The HDFS undergraduate major provides a foundation for students interested in working with individuals and families. HDFS graduates are in demand in community settings, businesses, and organizations for their knowledge of family and group dynamics, as well as their skills in program development and training. Graduates also have an excellent foundation for additional training in teaching, school counseling, marital and family counseling, social work, family law, and occupational therapy.

This major is not a teacher-preparation program. It prepares students to work with individuals of all ages and their families. The study of theory and research findings is coordinated with a variety of supervised field experiences. Students investigate the ways individuals interact within the family system and with the larger socio-economic environment. In addition to Department Foundation and Core courses, students will select 18 credits from an approved list of Required Program Electives. Students are required to complete a 120-credit, integrated course of study that culminates in an internship experience during the senior year.

Career Potential

The program prepares students for a variety of careers such as administrators of child development or family services programs, child development specialists, school age program coordinators, youth program specialists, community education instructors, parent educators, family financial planners, consumer advocates and family public policy advocates.

Graduation Requirements

Human Development and Family Studies majors must have an overall GPA of 2.0 in order to qualify for graduation.

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