The Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers several internships that allow students to apply knowledge from their academic studies in a supervised environment, while gaining experience that is directly relevant to their career goals. Some specializations require an internship, while others offer an optional internship experience.
Students in the Child Development concentration may apply for the department’s Early Childhood Education Teaching Preparation Program, a highly-structured program with limited enrollment.
Students in the Family Support or Lifespan Development concentrations may choose to complete the department’s Family Internship, which is a full-academic-year experience.
Students should apply during their junior year - for senior year internships. Applications for the Human Development and Family Studies internships are available on the undergraduate forms page. Assistance with internships is also available through UNH Career and Professional Success.
Early Childhood Education Teacher Preparation Program
The Early Childhood Education Teacher Preparation program prepares students for a career in teaching young children. Course work for this program is designed to maximize in-classroom mentorship and to provide a broad range of exposure from birth to 3rd Grade. This internship program within the Child Development Concentration in the Human Development and Family Studies Department is approved by the New Hampshire State Board of Education (NH Credentialing Endorsement: Early Childhood Education (N-3), EIS Code 1866, Admin Rule #507.18). Reciprocity of the certification with other states varies, so students interested in teaching in other states should contact each state directly.
This program requires 76 credits of pre-approved departmental and supporting course work. Requirements and instructions for the application process for this program are detailed below. Students who wish to be considered for the program must indicate their interest at the time of application to the major so that an appropriate plan of study can be arranged.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Kimberly Nesbitt
Program Coordinator
Phone: (603) 862-2159
Email: kimberly_nesbitt@unh.edu
- Early Childhood Education Program Requirements (course work and state teacher certification requirements)
- Program Handbook
View Early Childhood Education Program Application (Due March 1)
*Applications should be submitted after the completion of the fall semester junior year.
Family Internship Program
The Family Internship Program introduces students to careers in human services through placements in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire. During this year-long internship experience, students engage in 16 hours per week of supervised field work at one of the designated internship sites (see application materials below). By working alongside professionals in after school programs, non-profits, and other local agencies, students will have opportunities to hone their professional skills and focus their goals forvtheir future careers. All HDFS seniors in the Lifespan Development and Family Support concentrations are eligible to apply for the Family Internship Program. Requirements and instructions for the application process are detailed below.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Tyler Jamison
Family Studies Program Coordinator
Phone: (603) 862-5587
Email: tyler.jamison@unh.edu