Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies focuses on the classic and contemporary theories of human life development from infancy through adulthood including family and societal issues.

In addition, courses in the program can help you prepare to pursue these certifications:

• Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE®) sponsored by the National Council on Family Relations. To qualify for the academic portion of the CFLE, you’ll need to complete all core requirements as well as these specific courses:
  • CHFD220 - Human Sexuality
  • CHFD350 - Family Life Education
  • CHFD360 - Family Resource Management
  • CHFD348 - Marriage and the Family
  • CHFD445 - Family Communications
  • CHFD446 - Families and Social Action
  • CHFD498 - Senior Seminar in Child and Family Development
  NOTE – There is a work experience requirement for full certification by the CFLE which the University does not provide. More information is available at the CFLE website: https://www.ncfr.org/cfle-certification/become-certified/cfle-approved-application.

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS®) sponsored by the Association for Child Life Professionals. To qualify for the academic portion of the CCLS, you’ll need to complete all core requirements as well as these specific courses:
  • HDFS401 - Child Life Theory and Practice
  • HDFS402 - Benefits of Therapeutic Play
  • HDFS403 - Death, Dying and Grief
  • CHFD340 - Family Development
• Child Development Associate (CDA®) certification sponsored by the Early Childhood Education Training Institution and the Council for Professional Recognition. Courses in the program can help you prepare to pursue the CDA certification sponsored by the Early Childhood Education Training Institution and the Council for Professional Recognition by providing the required academic requirements for that certification. There are additional requirements regarding clinical hours that the University does not provide and students must secure their own placement. Additional information on those clinical requirements can be found at www.childlife.org.

Important note: This bachelor’s degree does not award professional licensure and does not qualify you to apply for a teaching licensure. In addition, individual states often require additional hands-on training, internships, or site visits not provided by our University. Students are encouraged to become familiar with all licensure/certification requirements in the state in which they plan to seek possible employment.

CFLE® is a registered trademark of the National Council on Family Relations.

CCLS® is a registered trademark of the Child Life Council.

CDA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Professional Recognition.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate fluency in the terminology, tools, and methods used in the field of child and family development.
• Describe the contributions of multiple theories or practices to the field of child and family development, both within and across disciplines.
• Demonstrate the ability to synthesize multiple information sources and points of view into a discussion of major child and family development issues.
• Present a project or paper linking knowledge from work, community, or research activities with knowledge acquired in the study of child and family development.
• Explain diverse perspectives on contested issues in child and family development, including an articulation of how these issues might be addressed in social, political, or personal settings.