Human Development and Family Science, BS

What you will study

The Human Development and Family Science program at UCM covers the full cycle of life, from birth and development to death and grief. With many elective credits included as part of the degree program, Human Development and Family Science majors can sculpt coursework to reflect their interests. This flexibility also makes the program ideal for transfer students. 

Program faculty have extensive professional experience in their fields and many serve with state or national organizations. The UCM Human Development and Family Science program gives you the opportunity to take part in faculty research. This is an excellent way to gain insight into the most current issues and trends in the field. Faculty research experience means undergraduate research opportunities, giving you a competitive edge with future employers and graduate schools.

Some of UCM’s courses on human development and over the lifespan include: 

• Child and Adolescent Development: Engage with the physical, cognitive and psychosocial factors that shape childhood development. Experiment with making toys to discover what draws children to them. 
• Family Systems and Lifespan Development: How do family relationships change over the course of the family life cycle? Learn how to make a genogram, a tool for visualizing patterns — such as medical or behavioral — that run through generations.
• Multicultural Study and Approaches with Families: Learn how to center individuals and families within their unique cultural heritage context and the best methods for serving the needs of diverse communities with sensitivity.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in human development and family science

The foundation of the University of Central Missouri’s Human Development and Family Science program is experiential learning. Real experience in the field builds confidence and prepares you for Human Development and Family Science degree jobs.

• Internships: Expand your working knowledge of specialty areas within human development and family science by taking part in three internships. Two “mini” internships take place during the academic year, while the third takes place over the summer. Students have experienced development in childhood firsthand while interning with a Tanzanian orphanage, a South African hospital, summer camps in New York and Florida, domestic violence shelters and many more. The connections UCM students make during these internships often lead to desirable human development and family science degree jobs.
• Student leadership: Get involved with our vibrant student groups to grow your network, develop professionally and gain resume-worthy experiences. Central’s Society for Child and Family Development, Children in Healthcare and Medical Play, Recovery Central and Pre-Marriage and Family Therapy are all active groups on campus.

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from UCM?

Your Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Central Missouri will bring you to the attention of employers in many fields who will be eager to hire you. 94% of our program’s graduates are employed or accepted into graduate school within six months of graduation.

Human development and family science degree jobs vary widely. Whichever aspect of this field most interests you is likely to offer exciting roles that will put your UCM undergraduate education to good use. 

At UCM, we help you sort through your many options for development in careers in human services. You’ll be exposed to a wide variety of fields through diverse course content and interactions with practicing professionals. We also support you with dedicated advisors as part of our commitment to making sure you’re ready to step into your new career in lifespan or childhood development and human services.

Learn more about human development and family science degree jobs

A bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from UCM is extremely versatile. Use our interactive tool below to explore income and employment trends for this inclusive and in-demand discipline.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Human Development and Family Science degree

The University of Central Missouri has low tuition fees and a recognized commitment to low student debt. We offer many options to help finance your college education. 

If you’re studying childhood and family development at UCM, your four-year degree program comes with the additional benefit — and value — of a professional certification at no extra cost. UCM is one of only four Missouri schools where you can earn a nationally recognized Certified Family Life Educator credential simply by completing your standard bachelor’s degree program coursework.

As a Human Development and Family Science major, you may be eligible for dedicated funds in addition to university-wide financial aid. Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to learn more about our program-specific scholarships.