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.
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
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.
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.
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
- ...and more
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
- ...and more
Awards and Recognition
Awards
Devyn Keith
Audrey Gaston Howard Award Recipient (2018)
Natalie Marshall
James M. Sizemore Award Recipient (2017)
Michael Ann Peavy
Mann Award Recipient (2017)
Notable Faculty
Clara Gerhardt
National Counsel on Family Relations Outstanding Certified Family Life Educator of the Year (2013)
Jonathan Davis
National Counsel on Family Relations Meritorious Service Award (2012)