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Scenes from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Why HDF at URI?

Human Development and Family Studies (HDF) scholars examine how we develop from birth through old age with a particular emphasis on how family and community settings improve quality of life throughout the lifespan.

Professionals in this field provide assistance to individuals and families through a variety of services and settings that include early childhood education programs, youth programs, colleges and universities, personal financial counseling, family therapy, senior centers, and long term care facilities.

Program Strengths

  • Faculty are committed to student development
  • Small classes
  • Classes are offered on two campuses (Kingston and Providence)
  • Opportunities for the direct observation of young children at the department's two child development centers
  • Study abroad programs with academic credit
  • Multiple field experiences throughout the program to help in securing that first job

Applied Focus in Service Learning

A unique characteristic of our program is that it provides students with direct hands on experience involving a gradual exposure to the HDF professional world. Students begin in their first semester of studies by learning about career opportunities in human development. Mid-way through their studies students select two early field experience options that match their interest in a specific developmental phase(s) of the life span such as adolescence, young children, or adults. Course work is integrated with hands on experience in a setting that involves professional activities for that specific age group. During their final year students conclude their professional preparation with an intensive senior field experience that includes a seminar focused on applying and integrating theory to professional practice.

CAREERS: What can I do with an HDF degree?

Professional preparation in HDF results in outstanding success in rates of employment. Health and Human Services continues to rank highly among growth industries nationally. Many of our graduates are now experienced leaders in educational, human service, and clinical settings. Examples of career opportunities available to graduates include:

  • Family Literacy Programs (example in RI, Even Start)
  • Early Intervention, Parents as Teachers, Families Learning Together
  • Head Start Programs
  • Family Service (example in RI, South Shore Mental Health)
  • Early Childhood Consultant for Curriculum Planning and Training both parents and teachers
  • Hospital settings (example in RI, Child Life)
  • Recreational (example in RI, YMCA Camps, special classes for children)
  • Child and Family Guidance (example in RI, Perspectives)
  • State Services for Children and Families and other casework (example in RI, Department of Children, Youth, and Families)
  • Nursery schools, preschools, and childcare centers as teacher or administrator
  • Research and policy-oriented positions
  • Student Affairs divisions in colleges and universities

Here is a selection of the first jobs some of our recent graduates now have:

  • Drug Counselor, Habit Management Institute, Boston, MA
  • Senior Counselor/Residential Mentor, Child and Family Services of Newport, RI
  • Child Care Worker, Service Centers of New Jersey, Elizabeth, NJ
  • Milieu Counselor, Psychiatric Unit, Boston, MA
  • Academic Advisor, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
  • Child Protective Investigator, Department of Children, Youth and Families, RI
  • Assistant Program Manager, Association for Retarded Citizen’s, Newark, NJ
  • Human Resources Coordinator, Corbis, New York, NY
  • Grade 2 Teacher, Public Schools of Robeson County, Robeson City, NC
  • Life Skills Instructor, Datahr Rehabilitation Institute, Brookfield, CT
  • Crisis Advocate, Sex Abuse and Trauma Resource Center for Police Departments in Foster, Smithfield, and Woonsocket, RI
  • Community Development Coordinator, Brandeis University, Boston, MA

Some professions in Human Development and Family Studies require academic work beyond the Bachelor degree for continuing professional work and advancement.

Click for a complete guide to HDF jobs and careers

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS


Join the HDF Club! HDF Club supports the professional development of HDF majors, and provides networking opportunities between students and faculty. Learn more...


FOR CURRENT STUDENTS