BACHELOR OF ARTS
Human Development & Family Science
This major prepares you for family-centered careers and provides an excellent foundation for graduate study.
100%
Online
128
Credit Hours
8-week
Terms
January 13
Next Start Date
$382
Per Credit Hour
Why Human Development and Family Science?
The human development and family science curriculum focuses on interpersonal relationships, their connection to, and their impact on human flourishing in families and communities. Skills are applied as students conduct family science research and complete internship hours in local community settings. Individuals who possess servant-minded traits combined with the ability to problem solve, be persistent yet respectful, flexible yet focused and constantly inquisitive make great candidates for this program.
Degree Pathways
Completer Degree Pathway
The completer degree path is designed for students who have previously earned an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA) from an accredited institution.
Full Degree Pathway
The full degree path is designed for students who have no prior college experience or individuals who earned credit but did not complete an associate degree.
Graduate Pathway
Family science majors may participate in a fast-track option that allows students to earn graduate degree credits toward a Master of Social Work. (Approval required.)
Fast-track Plans
What Makes Us Different?
Experiential Education
We purposefully engage learners in direct experience (125 hours in a HDFS related agency) and focused reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values. We further your capacity to contribute to communities 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.
Family Life Educator Certification
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.
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.
“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
