Human Development and Family Studies: BA, BS
Department: Human Development and Family Studies Department
College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services
About This Degree
In this program, students gain the knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers serving individuals and families across the lifespan. Courses are designed to help students deal with current issues confronting families and children in the nation and the world.
Students have the opportunity to work with internationally recognized faculty on important research projects that can help society better understand human development and family relationships with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
Students are required to complete a practicum experience in agencies that provide hands-on experience so they are prepared to enter the workforce when they graduate. The program has a reputation for producing highly qualified professionals who are employed across the state and nation when the graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Students are also well prepared for graduate school.
Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Emphases (students must choose an emphasis)
- Child Development - Learn about early childhood development and the environments that support optimal growth.
- Family and Community Services - Learn to work with individuals of all ages and families in all situations, developing professional skills and researching issues that affect today’s families.
- Family Finance - Develop the knowledge and skills required to be a financial counselor and take advantage of hands-on practicum opportunities.
- Human Development - Students learn about addressing the developmental needs of individuals and families. Through applied experiences students engage with individuals, families, social agencies and organizations.
- The Child Development emphasis is only available at the following locations: Logan, Brigham City, and Roosevelt (Uintah basin).
- The Family Finance emphasis is available throughout the state of Utah.
Locations
- Beaver
- Bicknell
- Blanding
- Brigham City
- Castle Dale
- Delta
- Ephraim
- Heber City
- Junction
- Kanab
- Kaysville
- Logan (Main Campus)
- Moab
- Montezuma Creek
- Monticello
- Monument Valley
- Nephi
- Orem
- Panguitch
- Park City
- Price (USU Eastern)
- Richfield
- Roosevelt (Uintah Basin)
- Salt Lake
- St George
- Tooele
- Tremonton
- Vernal (Uintah Basin)
- Wendover
Location Restrictions
To view all degrees and programs available at USU, visit Degree Finder. Please note, not all degrees and programs are available at every location. We recommend searching by location unless you intend on relocating. Contact a Statewide Campuses advisor to verify program availability in your area.
View Potential Careers
With a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, students may pursue careers in the following areas:
Family and Community Services, Child Development, and Human Development Lifespan Emphases
- Child care/preschool settings
- Job coaching, career counseling
- Head Start programs
- Social services agencies
- Drug treatment centers
- Youth and adult residential care centers
- Foster care
- Youth centers
- Crisis centers
- Parent education programs
- Senior citizen centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Federal, state, and local agencies serving families and children
- Family Life Educator
Family Finance Emphasis
- Consumer credit counseling services
- Financial counselor or educator
- Financial planner
- Credit unions
- Corporate employee assistance programs
- Employee benefits counseling firms
- College financial aid offices
- Bank loan offices
- Bankruptcy courts
- Community housing programs
- Personal banker
- Mortgage loan officer
- Credit counselor
- Consumer relations coordinator
- Credit investigator
- Insurance broker
Course Listing (University Catalog)
Quick Guide
How to Get Started
The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services may charge differential tuition for this program. Differential tuition is an added cost per credit for courses in the program. See the last page in the USU Tuition & Fee schedule for more information.