Human Development and Family Science Major

The Human Development and Family Science degree offers an interdisciplinary lifespan approach to the study of children, youth and families. It encompasses specialty areas in preschool teaching, childcare, administration, youth studies, family services, child life, consumer economics, human sciences teacher education and extension. As a student in the program, you'll develop an awareness of trends, issues and public policy affecting families and analyze factors that influence cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development in the contexts of culture and family.

Child Development

Do you have an interest in helping children and supporting families through their children's developing years? This path will prepare you for careers such as early care and education, parent education, and child advocacy. You will gain hands-on experience in the Child Development and Family Studies Center and have the option to work toward your Mississippi Pre-K license.

Career Opportunities:

• Director of volunteers - median annual salary of $81,330
• 4-H professional - median annual salary of $68,670
• Youth program administrator - median annual salary of $60,397
• Juvenile probation officer - median annual salary of $53,020

Curriculum

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Child Life

Children have unique healthcare needs, and child life specialists use a unique set of knowledge and skills to work with children in medical settings. This concentration prepares you for a career as a child life specialist through coursework and a clinical internship.

Career Opportunities:

• Director of volunteers - median annual salary of $81,330
• 4-H professional - median annual salary of $68,670
• Youth program administrator - median annual salary of $60,397
• Juvenile probation officer - median annual salary of $53,020

Curriculum

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Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education

The more we learn, the better lives we're able to live. This interdisciplinary program prepares you to teach life skills courses, from time and money management to parenting skills and many more, to different populations, from children to the elderly, business professionals, people with disabilities, and more.

Career Opportunities:

• Human development consultant - median annual salary of $90,900
• Case manager - median annual salary of $78,970
• Addiction counselor - median annual salary of $51,600
• Parent educator - median annual salary of $52,900

Curriculum

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Family Science

In this concentration, you will gain an in-depth understanding of societal issues that affect families and be prepared to work in a diversity of governmental, non-profit, religious, and private agencies. Graduates also receive provisional certification through the National Council on Family Relations as Certified Family Life Educators.

Career Opportunities:

• Human development consultant - median annual salary of $90,900
• Case manager - median annual salary of $78,970
• Addiction counselor - median annual salary of $51,600
• Parent educator - median annual salary of $52,900

Curriculum

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Youth Development

Children and adolescents ages 10-18 have a unique set of developmental needs, and trained, caring individuals are needed to support their growth and wellbeing. This customizable concentration will give you theoretical background in the classroom and real-world experience through a required field experience course and internship.

Career Opportunities:

• Director of volunteers - median annual salary of $81,330
• 4-H professional - median annual salary of $68,670
• Youth program administrator - median annual salary of $60,397
• Juvenile probation officer - median annual salary of $53,020

Curriculum