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Human Development and Family Science B.S.

Explore cultural, economic and social factors that shape children and families and their relationships.
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About this Program

How humans grow and develop—within the family and in other social contexts—influences our culture, economics, public health, and more. In human development and family science, you will explore how people learn and grow through their lifetime, from infancy to end of life, and how different factors can promote or hinder healthy human development. This field uses a scientific approach to understanding the social, physical, emotional, and behavioral development of humans through the lifespan and across different family, cultural, and social contexts.

Professionals in the field work with people during important seasons of life through service delivery, program administration, and policymaking (e.g., improving equitable access to education for young children or advocating for the well-being of older adults). With this degree, you will be ready to work with individuals and families in their different social environments to ensure their well-being, from the early stages of life to the end.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.S.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Exterior of Falk College.

David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Falk College academic degree programs focus on holistic health and wellbeing, human performance, and sport business enterprise. The college’s signature emphasis on experiential learning supports student success through intentional internship requirements, faculty-mentored research projects, immersion travel, and global study abroad. At every stage of their education, Falk College students engage in meaningful work to advance their disciplines and careers.
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Curriculum

Core coursework covers family development, interpersonal competence, human sexuality, and development of children in the family. Sample courses include:

  • Midlife Development and Gerontology
  • Power, Conflict, and Violence in Families
  • Work and Family in the 21st Century
  • Lust, Love, and Relationships
  • Development Across the Lifecycle
  • Human Development and Sport

As part of your degree requirements, you’ll complete a 180-hour required practicum at a hospital, school, or agency to experience and practice in the human service field. With the help of our dedicated internship coordinator for human development and family science students and the Falk College Career Services team, you can select a practicum that meets your unique career interests. Build up your skills and be ahead of the competition when you enter the professional world.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Study Abroad

Experience Human Development in Diverse Global Contexts

Syracuse University Abroad consistently ranks among the highest-quality international study programs in the country. Syracuse offers short- and long-term options in more than 60 countries, including internships, community engagement projects, and language study at all levels. Human development and family science most often study abroad in South Africa, Italy, Chile and China.

Immersion Travel

Explore and Network in New York City

Get a jump start on your professional journey! In human development and family science, you'll have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and New York City for career immersion trips. Explore a range of career paths, discover your own interests, and network with Syracuse University alumni in the field.

Research

Lead Change through Research

Research broadens our understanding so we can implement effective, equitable policies and services. At Syracuse, you can join faculty-mentored research projects and have a hand in the next breakthrough. Collect and analyze data. Publish as an author or co-author on scholarly articles. Present your findings at conferences. Within the vibrant Syracuse research community, you'll find support for your unique research interests.

Careers

Your Future, Your Impact

A bachelor’s degree enables you to provide essential services to vulnerable populations such as children and youth, women, older adults, and people with disabilities. You can use your career to protect the interests of individuals and families by improving public policies and laws that impact family life. Or you can guide business operations to better understand various consumer populations.

The human development and family science B.S. also gives you a specialized foundation for graduate degree programs, including social work, law, education, or medical school. No matter your vision for your future career, if you want to work with people or families, human development gives you specialized knowledge in this field as a lawyer, therapist, teacher, or medical professional.

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