Human Development and Family Services Curriculum Degree Choices
Bachelors of Science Programs
Georgia Southern’s program provides students with an understanding of the developmental needs and choices of individuals throughout their life span. Our students also learn the tools they need to improve the wellbeing of these individuals through the creation and dissemination of knowledge. Our students are also able to:
- develop problem-solving skills
- analyze interpersonal relationships
- establish bases for conflict resolution
- recognize physical, mental, and social wellness
Georgia Southern’s curriculum consists of the study of child development from conception through adolescence, family development and economics, families in later life, parenting, administration of programs for children and families, and assessment of children and families. Our courses focus on all age groups, including: prenatal, infancy, toddlerhood, preschool, school age, adolescence, and adulthood.
The major requires 124 credit hours of work. Students can expect career outcomes including work in business and community services, teaching preschool, and working in child and family care services.
Georgia Southern also offers students hands-on learning at the Georgia Southern University Child Development Center. The center houses observation areas and laboratory facilities—which offers our students real world experiences and uniquely prepares them for their future careers.
Degree Requirements
Program Map (PDF)
Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education Degree Concentration
Professional Certification Disclosure.
The School of Human Ecology and the College of Education anticipates that graduates of the HDFS Birth-Kindergarten teacher education program will seek state licenses or certifications.
The programs listed above lead to a Georgia Certificate. Visit the website https://www.gapsc.com/Certification/Home.aspx for more information from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The College of Education has not determined where its programs will qualify a graduate to take the required exams in other states or territories. This is the website (https://coe.georgiasouthern.edu/wp-content/uploads/Compliance-Statement-and-Table-July-2020-updated.pdf) to check the requirements of your state or territory.
Human Development & Family Science Minor
Some students may prefer to major in a different degree program, but minor in Human Development and Family Science. Our minor program includes Area F courses, such as:
- Introduction to Family Science (HDFS 1131)
- Child Development (HDFS 2135)
Additionally, students select three 3000 or 4000 level HDFS courses from the approved minor list.
Program of Study for the Human Development & Family Science Minor
Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program
Students majoring in Human Development and Family Science (Family Services concentration) may apply to the Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) program. The ABM program provides students with the opportunity to apply up to 12-credit hours of Master of Public Administration (MPA) coursework towards both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. More information about the ABM is available on the MPA-ABM with HDFS – Family Services website.
Last updated: 5/19/2023
