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. This major is not a teacher-preparation program. Through HDFS approved coursework or a national exam, students may earn certification in the practice of family science or the Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) credential. <br><br>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 which includes Silver Core coursework, HDFS coursework, and general electives that culminates in an internship experience during the senior year.<br>Students will be able to:<br>identify and describe the bio-psycho-social elements of the human lifespan, with emerging expertise in one developmental stage.<br>demonstrate an understanding of the common elements of all families as well as the diversity of family life and structure in the United States.<br>demonstrate skills in oral and written communication in topics related to Human Development and Family Studies.<br>demonstrate an understanding of prominent HDFS theories.<br>apply field-related knowledge, theory, and practices in professional settings.