Human Development and Family Science

The human development and family science major prepares you for family-centered careers and provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a number of areas.

HDFS Major

The human development and family science major prepares you for family-centered careers and provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a number of areas.

Is This Program for Me?

Have you been described as a helper, an advocate or a great listener? Are you passionate, tolerant, caring and empathetic? These servant-minded traits combined with the ability to problem solve, be persistent yet respectful, flexible yet focused and constantly inquisitive make you a great candidate for the human development and family science program.

What Will I Learn?

The human development and family science curriculum focuses on interpersonal relationships, their connection to, and their impact on human flourishing in families and communities. Knowledge is gained in the following areas.

Infant and Child Development
Adolescent and Adult Development
Marriage and Parenting
Interpersonal Communication
Family Dynamics
Family Resource Management
Family Law and Public Policy

Skills are applied as students conduct family science research and complete internship hours in local community settings.

Concentrations

Child Development Education Concentration

Prepares students for work in early childhood settings as teachers and/or administrators. This concentration is a collaboration between the Department of Human Development and Family Science and the Department of Teacher Education.

Child Life Concentration

Prepares students to work in a medical setting to provide emotional support and coping strategies for children and their families facing short- and long-term hospital stays. Upon completion, students submit their coursework for review to the Child Life Council and must pass an exam to become certified child life specialists.

Gerontology Concentration

Prepares students to provide services and research for those in the later stages of life. Special emphasis is placed upon how aging affects the individual as well as the family.

“The HDFS program prepares students not only to achieve academically, but also to achieve relationally and emotionally for whatever circumstance one might face in the professional world.”

“In this way, I believe the program stands out as a major and has thoroughly prepared me for life beyond Samford’s gate.”

—Murray Babington, Class of ‘21

What Makes Us Different?

Experiential Education

We go beyond just educating. We purposefully engage learners in direct experience and focused reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values. We develop and increase your capacity to contribute to communities in order for you to go out and encourage others to do the same.

Research Focused

100% of our students complete original research projects, and six of our students have received the Outstanding Undergraduate Paper Award from the National Council on Family Relations.

Eligible for Family Life Educator Certification

Leave with more than a degree. Program graduates may distinguish themselves in the field by earning the family life educator certification. Family life education focuses on healthy family functioning within a family systems perspective and provides a primarily preventive approach. Certification recognizes a proven background and understanding in each of the 10 family life education content areas.

Accelerated Pathways to Advanced Degrees

Save time and money by earning graduate degree credits toward a Juris Doctorate, Master of Divinity, Master of Public Health or Master of Social Work or fulfilling the prerequisites for a Master of Business Administration while completing your undergraduate degree.

3+3 Law

Family science majors are eligible to participate in a 3+3 program that allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in family science and a law degree after six years of study. This program is ideal for students interested in adoption, divorce, foster care, intimate partner violence and other areas that affect the well-being of children and families. Participation in this program requires careful advisement and scheduling, as well as acceptance into Cumberland School of Law following the normal application process. Please consult your academic adviser for details.

Fast-track Master of Divinity

The accelerated bachelor of arts (B.A.) to master of divinity (M.Div.) program of study allows select students to complete requirements for both degrees in a minimum of six years of study rather than the typical minimum of seven years of study. Acceptance to the program is limited to human development and family science majors who demonstrate the maturity and discipline to advance their course of study and their preparation for vocational ministry leadership. Students should seek guidance from their advisor as early as possible in their undergraduate studies.

Fast-track Master of Public Health

This fast-track is for those who are called to a life of service in public health. Through this track, students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including state and local health departments, non-profits, hospitals, government agencies and other health-related organizations. Graduates receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years and are prepared to become leaders capable of addressing current global problems.

Fast-track Master of Social Work

Family science majors are eligible to participate in a fast-track option that allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in family science and a master’s degree in social work after five years of study. Participation in this program requires careful advisement and scheduling, as well as permission of both the undergraduate department chair and the M.S.W. program director. Please consult your academic adviser for details.

Fifth-year Master of Business Administration

This option allows students majoring in human development and family science to complete a Master of Business Administration in just one additional year at Samford. By earning a minor in general business, students will meet all pre-requisites for the M.B.A. Students will complete their bachelor’s degree prior to starting the M.B.A. program.

50 Hours

Service-learning Experience

125 Hours

Practicum

5 Pathways

to Accelerated Advanced Degrees

Approved

by NCFR

Career Preparation

Students leave with the ability to analyze and interpret family science research data. Through practicums and internships, observations and senior research, students gain professionally marketable skills for a variety of career paths in human development and family science.