Program Overview

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Introduction to Human Development and Family Relations

The Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR) major prepares students to work in human services professions that support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This discipline focuses on understanding people, how they learn, grow, and change.

Program Overview

The HDFR program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human development and family relations. The program prepares students for careers in human services, including family advocacy, child life specialist, crisis center counseling, and more.

What Will I Learn?

The HDFR program prepares students for careers in the human service field. Students will learn about human development, issues people face, and how to help them live fulfilling lives. Students may choose to study the general lifespan or specialize in a particular age group, including:

• Adolescents
• Adult Development and Aging
• Child Care

What is Unique About Our Program?

The HDFR degree is flexible, with diverse courses leading to one degree, but can be varied based on student needs and interests. The program offers ample applied learning and hands-on opportunities to prepare students for entry into the human services job market or graduate programs.

Career Opportunities

A human development and family relations degree is highly relevant to a broad range of career opportunities. Graduates will be eligible for professional jobs even without a graduate degree, and many enter the job market immediately after graduation. Career opportunities include:

• Family advocacy
• Child life specialist
• Crisis center counseling
• Youth detention center case work
• Child care centers
• Nursing home activity direction
• Planned Parenthood education
• Mental health services

Program Requirements

The HDFR program requires a minimum of 120 credits, including:

• Cognate requirements (18 credits)
• Major departmental requirements (40-41 credits)
• Concentration requirements (14-15 credits)
• Additional degree requirements

Cognate Requirements

• CLG 402 - Introduction to Counseling Techniques (3 cr.)
• CMM 101 - Introduction to Public Speaking (3 cr.)
• FNI 191 - Nutrition and Well-Being (3 cr.)
• PSY 101 - General Psychology (3 cr.)
• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)
• SOC 321 - Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3 cr.)

Major Departmental Requirements

• HDF 211 - Child Development (4 cr.)
• HDF 311 - Family in Contemporary Society (3 cr.)
• HDF 314 - Mental Health Issues in Human Services (3 cr.)
• HDF 332 - Socialization of Children in the Community (3 cr.)
• HDF 361 - Contemporary Approaches to Human Services (3 cr.)
• HDF 381 - Perspectives on Parenting (3 cr.)
• HDF 400 - Family Policy (3 cr.)
• HDF 403 - Field Work in Human Development and Family Relations (12 cr.)
• HDF 404 - Seminar in Human Development and Family Relations (3 cr.)
• HDF 487 - Abuse and Neglect Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)

Concentration Requirements

Students must select one of the following concentrations:

• General Lifespan
• Early Childhood Education Administration

Additional Degree Requirements

• A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required to register for HDF and CEM prefixed upper division courses.
• Students may repeat a course only once in order to raise a grade.
• A minimum grade of C+ or better is required in CLG 402, CLG 403, and each CEM and HDF prefixed course.
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in courses required for the major must be maintained.
• All major requirements must be completed before the internship semester.
• Students must be recommended for the internship by the HDFR faculty.
• Completion of all undergraduate degree requirements, including general education, elective courses if applicable, and a total of 120 credits minimum.

Internship Opportunities

The HDFR program offers a 12-credit, full-time senior internship in a variety of local human service agencies, including:

• Adventure-based counseling
• Peru Elementary School
• Third Age/TBI Center
• Clinton County Department of Social Services
• Clinton County Health Department
• Hospice of the North Country
• North Country Center for Independence
• CVFC Recovery Campus
• STOP Domestic Violence

Human Development and Family Relations Minor

The HDFR minor is available for students who wish to supplement their major with coursework in human development and family relations.