The Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers majors in Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Family Studies, with concentrations in Family Life Education and Advocacy, Adolescence and Youth Development, and Child Life.
Major in Early Childhood Education |
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The Early Childhood Education major prepares students to work with a diverse population of young children and families using research-based, developmentally appropriate educational practices. Students in Early Childhood Education have a concentration in Early Child Development. In this concentration, students learn to apply developmental principles in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs for young children. Watch this video to learn more about the major.The Major in Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Commission on Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
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Major in Human Development and Family Studies
Students majoring in Human Development and Family Studies will examine how children and adolescents develop in the context of families and communities; how families function and operate; and how to improve the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Students in this major may decide to concentrate in Family Life Education and Advocacy Adolescence and Youth Development, or Child Life.
Family Life Education and Advocacy Concentration
A major in HDFS with a concentration in Family Life Education and Advocacy provides an understanding of the development of the family system and the dynamics of family relationships. Upon completion of this program, some students may qualify for certification as a Family Life Educator by the National Council on Family Relations. This concentration prepares students to work in a variety of educational and enrichment programs such as parenting programs, family service agencies, industry, schools, social-service, churches, home economics, and 4-H extension. This concentration is also well suited for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy as well as other areas in family studies.
Adolescence and Youth Development Concentration
A major in HDFS with a concentration in adolescence and youth development is available for students who are interested in the growth and development of adolescents and youth within the family, peer, and school contexts. The goal of this concentration is to prepare students for work in a variety of settings including community-based programs, home-based programs, and mental-health agencies, or for graduate studies in a variety of fields.
Child Life Concentration
A major in HDFS with a concentration in child life consists of a comprehensive foundation of courses related to the growth and development of the child, parent-family relationships, as well as the psychosocial needs of children and families undergoing healthcare experiences. The concentration prepares students to work with children and families who are experiencing such healthcare experiences as acute and chronic illness, trauma, surgery, injury, disabilities, and terminal conditions. Students participate in many laboratory and practicum experiences with children. These experiences, along with theoretical information, provide a foundation necessary for working with children and families in the healthcare or community setting.
Students who complete the concentration requirements are eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination upon graduation. To learn more about the qualifications needed to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination, visit: http://www.childlife.org/certification/students.
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No Concentration
We offer a flexible curriculum for students interested in preparing for professional work or further study related to children and families. This program of study has no internship requirement and is especially appealing for students who would like to pursue advanced coursework in preparation for professional degrees (e.g., medical school). Other students who might find this option appropriate include students who wish to double major within four years or students who find a semester-long internship a particular hardship for family or employment reasons.
Family Life Education and Advocacy Concentration
A major in HDFS with a concentration in Family Life Education and Advocacy provides an understanding of the development of the family system and the dynamics of family relationships. Upon completion of this program, some students may qualify for certification as a Family Life Educator by the National Council on Family Relations. This concentration prepares students to work in a variety of educational and enrichment programs such as parenting programs, family service agencies, industry, schools, social-service, churches, home economics, and 4-H extension. This concentration is also well suited for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy as well as other areas in family studies.
Adolescence and Youth Development Concentration
A major in HDFS with a concentration in adolescence and youth development is available for students who are interested in the growth and development of adolescents and youth within the family, peer, and school contexts. The goal of this concentration is to prepare students for work in a variety of settings including community-based programs, home-based programs, and mental-health agencies, or for graduate studies in a variety of fields.
Child Life Concentration
A major in HDFS with a concentration in child life consists of a comprehensive foundation of courses related to the growth and development of the child, parent-family relationships, as well as the psychosocial needs of children and families undergoing healthcare experiences. The concentration prepares students to work with children and families who are experiencing such healthcare experiences as acute and chronic illness, trauma, surgery, injury, disabilities, and terminal conditions. Students participate in many laboratory and practicum experiences with children. These experiences, along with theoretical information, provide a foundation necessary for working with children and families in the healthcare or community setting.
Students who complete the concentration requirements are eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination upon graduation. To learn more about the qualifications needed to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination, visit: http://www.childlife.org/certification/students.
For more information, see:
- Additional information about Child Life
- Applying to Child Life Concentration
- Child Life Internship Procedures
- Course Checklists
No Concentration
We offer a flexible curriculum for students interested in preparing for professional work or further study related to children and families. This program of study has no internship requirement and is especially appealing for students who would like to pursue advanced coursework in preparation for professional degrees (e.g., medical school). Other students who might find this option appropriate include students who wish to double major within four years or students who find a semester-long internship a particular hardship for family or employment reasons.
MAJOR IN ADDICTION AND RECOVERY STUDIES
The major in Addiction and Recovery offers students an in-depth examination of the development and progression of addictive disorders and the process of recovery from addictions. Students will also learn methods for preventing and treating substance use disorders that incorporate family, peer, and community support. This major has a one-semester internship requirement. Students who choose to gain additional hands-on experience at prevention agencies or treatment centers while completing this major may apply for certification as prevention specialists or alcohol/drug counselors through Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (AADAA).
Course Checklist
Description of the Major
Course Checklist
Description of the Major
Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
The 18-credit minor in Human Development and Family Studies provides supplemental training for non-majors on child development, adolescent development, and family studies.
Minor in Addiction and Recovery studies
The 18-credit minor in Addiction and Recovery offers students an overview of the development and progression of addictive disorders and the process of recovery from addictions. Students will also learn the basics of drug education and methods for treating substance use disorders that incorporate family, peer, and community support.