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Scenes from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies

HDF Undergraduate Programs

A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies will prepare you to work with children, families, adolescents, and adults in a variety of human service and community settings. In addition to studying at the Kingston Campus, HDF undergraduate majors can complete some or all of their degree program at the Feinstein Providence campus, which offers a more urban environment.

Within the major, you will be able to choose among a variety of professional preparation concentrations and certificate options. Please refer to the Student Advising Guide for specific course requirements related to these options.

Areas of Concentration

  • Child Settings – a program of study that focuses on the development of children and the role of the family. In addition, students analyze public policy and its impact on children.
  • Family and Community Settings - a program that examines human development from adolescence through adulthood. Students in this concentration consider the well-being of families and individuals as they move through the life cycle.
  • Family Finance – a program that trains students who are interested in helping families and individuals learn how to gain control over their finances and plan for a secure financial future.

Certificate Options

Early Childhood Education Teacher Certification - This option prepares students to teach in pre-school to second grade classrooms.

Family Financial Planning Certificate (Suspended as of May 2013) - Students choosing this certificate option focus on understanding the relationships between family development and family finances with the goal of learning to guide families in sound financial decision-making across the life span.

Certified Family Life Educator - The National Council on Family Relations has approved the undergraduate Academic program of HDF for provisional certification of students. Undergraduate Students may apply for a provisional Certificate to become a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).

Field Experience

One of the unique features of the Human Development and Family Studies major is the opportunity to gain direct hands-on experiences in the professional world through field experiences and internships. During their senior year, students enroll in an experiential learning course through which you will be able to share your expertise in a wide array of organizations that serve diverse populations and address pressing societal concerns. If you have previous work or community experience, you may even be eligible to earn experiential learning credits that can be applied towards your degree requirements.