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Human Development and Family Science

The major in Human Development and Family Science allows students to gain an understanding of the developmental needs and choices of individuals throughout the life span, seeking to improve their well-being through the creation and dissemination of knowledge.  The major focuses on all age groups including prenatal, infancy, toddler, preschool, adolescence, adults, and the elderly.  The major prepares students to work in business and community services, teach in early childhood settings, and work in child, adolescent, aging and family care services. The Georgia Southern University Child Development Center houses observation areas and laboratory facilities for student hands-on learning.

General Information

GPA Requirement: 2.0 (2.5 to intern; 3.0 recommended for Child Life; 2.5 for Birth to Kindergarten Teacher Education)

Degree(s) Offered: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science

Concentrations Statesboro Campus:

  • Child Development
  • Child Life
  • Family Services

Concentration Armstrong Campus:

  • Birth to Kindergarten Teacher Education (in collaboration with the College of Education)

Sample Occupations

*MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION FOR SOME POSITIONS

  • Early Childhood Educator in public, private and non-profit settings
  • Pre-K and/or Kindergartner Teacher
  • Child Life Specialist
  • Community Services
  • Advocacy Organizations
  • Family Life Educator 
  • Parent-Child Educator
  • Case Manager
  • Head Start Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist*
  • Social Work/Services
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Family/Child Caseworker
  • Volunteer Service Coordinators
  • Administrator in Early Childhood Settings
  • Behavior Technicians (ABA)

Sample Work Settings

  • Cooperative Extension/4H Programs
  • Public/Private Preschool Programs
  • Rehab Organizations
  • Early Childhood Education Programs
  • Assisted Living Facilities
  • YMCA/Youth Services 
  • State and Local Agencies
  • Adult Education 
  • Hospitals
  • Group Homes
  • Adoption Agencies
  • Mental Health Organizations
  • United Way Agencies
  • Health and Wellness Agencies
  • Camps
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates

Sample Employers

  • UGA Cooperative Extension and 4H Programs
  • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
  • Child Care Resource and Referral
  • Inspiritus Services
  • State of Georgia Department of Family and Children Services
  • Georgia Southern Child Development Center
  • Kids World Learning Center
  • Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services
  • Memorial Health
  • Georgia Department of Juvenile Services

Professional Organizations

Georgia Southern Student Organizations

  • Human Development and Family Science Club
  • Georgia Southern Child Life Organization
  • Phi Upsilon Omicron, Beta Mu Chapter, Honor Society

Professional Tips

  • It is recommended to volunteer with children/families/non-profits (i.e., Boys and Girls Club)
  • Child Life also highly recommends shadowing hours with a Certified Child Life Specialist and gaining volunteer experience with agencies such as Stirrup Some Fun, Memorial Health, and the Ronald McDonald House

Résumé Tips

  • List your degree as: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science
  • Include concentration area (Child Development, Child Life, Family Services, or Birth-Kindergarten)
  • Include required hours in the Child Development Center as field experience, not volunteering
  • Include volunteer experience, especially any working with children
  • Include Certifications such as CPR, First Aid, AED
  • Include Internship information if already completed, practicum for the Child Life emphasis, or shadowing hours
  • Child Life concentration résumés can ONLY be one page!  Other concentration areas can be two full pages
  • Include shadowing hours and volunteering if any

Last updated: 7/18/2023