BACHELOR OF ARTS
Human Development & Family Science
This major prepares you for family-centered careers and provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in several areas.
100%
Online
128
Credit Hours
8-week
Terms
October 21
Next Start Date
$382
Per Credit Hour
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.
“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 Master of Social Work while completing your undergraduate degree.
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.
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.
Career Opportunities
- Family Resource Services
- Community-Based Social Services
- Education
- Family Intervention
- Early Childhood Education
- Government & Public Policy
- Healthcare and Family Wellness
- International Education & Development
- Research
- Writing & Communication
Internships & Fellowships
- Alabama Public Television Ready to Learn
- Children’s Hospital Intervention and Protection Services
- Covenant Counseling and Education Center
- Down Syndrome Clinic
- Jefferson County Family Court
- Jessie’s Place
- Lakeshore Foundation
- United Way of Central Alabama
- Wellspring Christian Clinic
Plan of Study
The plan of study for our online degree in human development and family science is being finalized. Upon final approval, the plan of study will appear on this page.
