What is human development and family studies?
Learn to promote the health and well-being of children, adults and families through research, teaching and service. The human development and family studies minor curriculum embraces diversity and emphasizes service excellence and innovation, preparing you for a variety of in-demand careers in education, social services and healthcare. You’ll receive a foundation in individual and family development,interpersonal relationships and the ecological contexts of development.You will also be able to select electives in early childhood development and education, family support or lifespan development.
Why study human development and family studies at UNH?
A major public research university, UNH emphasizes hands-on experience and research. As a student in the human development and family studies program, you’ll have multiple opportunities to put theory into practice through the Child Study and Development Center, as well as work with faculty who are conducting research in New Hampshire and beyond. Enhance your career options by combining this minor with a major in areas such as social work, healthcare, education or recreation management and policy.
Potential careers
- Child and family support specialist
- Child care director
- Cooperative extension specialist
- Educator
- Family intervention case manager
- Family life educator
- Family policy analyst
- Human rights advocate
- Parent educator
- Youth development program director
From the CHHS Blog
Curriculum & Requirements
The Human Development and Family Studies minor complements undergraduate majors in the social sciences, health professions, and related disciplines by providing students with the opportunity to learn about individual and family development, interpersonal relationships, and the ecological contexts of development.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HDFS 525 | Human Development | 4 |
| HDFS 545 | Intimate Relationships and Families | 4 |
| Any three additional HDFS courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Individual course grades must be C- or above, and the overall grade-point average for the 20 human development and family studies credits must be at least 2.0.
