Family Studies Degree Program Overviews

When a family studies degree is offered at a college or university, the program is usually entitled human development and family studies. In that program, students learn the intricacies of human behavior, the relationship between family members and ways to enhance their life. Individuals seeking careers in this profession have the option of earning associate's, bachelor's, master's degrees or PhDs in human development and family studies.

View 19 Popular Schools »

Associate of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies

The associate's degree program in human development and family studies is typically offered at community colleges and presents students with an introduction to this social services career path before they transfer to a 4-year program. A human development and family studies major is trained to understand the human life process and discover ways to make the lives of people more enjoyable through community activities, counseling and social interaction. Through classroom training, students learn about social environments, family dynamics, child development and interpersonal relationships.

Most associate's degree programs in human development and family studies offer students areas of concentration to complete their degree requirement in, such as early childhood education, adult development or aging services. Overall, the Associate of Arts degree program in Human Development and Family Studies focuses on preparing students for a career in social services and giving them the fundamental education about the profession to advance into a bachelor's degree program.

Education Prerequisites

The associate's degree program accepts applicants who have high school diplomas or GEDs, in addition to college admission applications. Most schools also request a background check.

Program Coursework

Human development and family studies majors study families, children, relationships and their development.

Courses in the program include:

  • Child development
  • Developmental problems in adults
  • Professional ethics
  • Family relationships
  • Marriage and family

Popular Career Options

Graduates who hold an associate's degree in human development and family studies are eligible for several entry-level social services positions. These include:

  • Community outreach worker
  • Daycare center worker
  • Nursing home assistant
  • Development officer

Continuing Education Information

Earning a bachelor's degree in the same field is generally the next step for graduates. This education provides advanced skills required for professional positions.

Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

As with the associate's degree program, students in the bachelor's in human development and family studies program usually have the option to choose a specialty area, such as life span developmental science, adult development or child development. Human development and family studies majors learn how to interact with people of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to understand how they function in a community.

Graduates learn how society affects development and how, in turn, human development changes its relationship with families, children and other adults. Most bachelor's degree programs that offer the human development and family studies major require senior students to complete an internship. That internship must be for a credit and may be completed in places such as social service offices or governmental agencies or with professors for research internships.

Education Prerequisites

Admittance into a human development and family studies degree program requires high school graduation, a 2.0+ GPA and submission of scores from standardized tests. If an applicant has an associate's degree, transfer credits are usually accepted. Most states require that applicants pass background checks before working with children and families.

Program Coursework

While some students select a specialty area of interest, most of the curriculum focuses on the relationships between family members, society and personal relationships. Here are a few courses:

  • Diversity in families
  • Adult development
  • Human sexuality
  • Working with children
  • Stress and the family
  • Lifespan development
  • Adolescent development
  • Community health
  • Introduction to counseling

Popular Career Options

Obtaining a bachelor's degree is usually the minimum education requirement for entry-level human services positions. Here are some examples of positions available for those with a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies:

  • Case manager
  • Social worker
  • Rehabilitation worker
  • Crisis advocate
  • Youth program specialist

Continuing Education Information

Depending upon the specialty track, some graduates opt for a certificate in an area, such as gerontology or women's studies. While the certificate does not allow for teaching appointments, it shows the seriousness of the future social service professional. Certificate programs may be found at community colleges and some universities.

Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

The master's degree program is ideal for individuals who have worked in social services and are seeking a position in administration. Similarly to the undergraduate degree program, graduate students may choose an area of interest, which has its own set of course requirements, in addition to general education courses. Specialties, such as family policy, program planning and family resource management are common. The graduate curriculum focuses on theories behind the changes in human developmental and future behavior.

The inclusion of research is dominant in a Human Development and Family Studies Master of Science program. Students with plans to enroll in a Ph.D. program should focus on a research thesis that explores current topics in family studies, such as diversity, grief, divorce and the effects of aging on a family. Most Human Development and Family Studies M.S. degree programs require a research thesis.

Education Prerequisites

Students seeking admittance into a Human Development and Family Studies Master of Scienc program must have a bachelor's degree in a related field. Most schools also require GRE scores and minimum GPAs of 3.0.

Program Coursework

Graduate courses typically discuss more research and theory, with additional course in a student's area of concentration. Courses include:

  • Family theory
  • Research methods
  • Statistics
  • Public policy and families
  • Ethics
  • Advanced human development
  • Family life issues

Popular Career Options

Graduates with a master's degree in human development and family studies have a lot more employment opportunities. Some positions that someone with a graduate degree may hold are:

  • Counselor
  • Program administrator
  • After-school program director

Continuing Education Information

For graduates who want to expand their education and maximize their knowledge in a specialty, The National Council on Family Relations, www.ncfr.org, offers a Family Life Educator certification. While optional, the certification program is open to professionals who work in the field and have completed their bachelor's degrees.

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies

Earning a Ph.D. degree in Human Development and Family Studies provides a graduate with the skills, knowledge and experience to conduct research, counsel and teach. The Ph.D. degree program is the highest attainable academic level in the family studies profession and involves analyzing case studies, using research methodologies to investigate reasons for behavior and being able to assess a family, child and adult dynamic.

Ph.D. degree hopefuls study the family unit in-depth by examining cultures, finances, mental health, poverty and other issues. Other areas of potential stress that are discussed and researched are aging, addiction, violence and the effect of being in the military. To further their research efforts, some universities offer graduate students the chance to work with research mentors and take advantage of off-site trips to seminars.

Education Prerequisites

A master's degree in a related field is required to apply for entry into a doctor of philosophy degree program. Most universities also require completion of a research thesis, which is typically finished at the end of the master's degree program. In addition, GRE scores, at least a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation and a statement of interest are commonly required.

Program Coursework

Courses in the Doctor of Philosophy degree program explore advanced levels of materials learned in previous degree programs, with more emphasis on research and statistical information. These include:

  • Teaching techniques
  • Statistics
  • Qualitative methods
  • Family resource management
  • Theories of human development
  • Parenting
  • Issues in family life education

Popular Career Options

Ph.D. degree candidates may find employment in a variety of positions and employers, including non-profit organizations, schools, governmental agencies, consulting firms and businesses. Example job titles are:

  • Family policy analyst
  • Associate professor
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Research associate
Show me popular schools

Related to Family Studies Program

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Online Courses and Classes in Family Studies

College students may take online courses in family studies through a degree-granting program or via open enrollment....

Family Studies and Intervention Strategies Ph.D. Program Info

Family studies and intervention strategies is an interdisciplinary field that broadens the range of career...

Family Resource Management Studies Degree and Certificate Programs

Degrees in the field of family resource management fall under a variety of names, including family and consumer...

Career Information for a Degree in Human Development or Family Studies

Human development or family studies programs teach students about human and family dynamics. Degrees in these areas...

JD Programs in Family Law: Degree Information and Requirements

19 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics