Overview
Family and human development professionals examine how people develop over the course of their lives within families, schools, and communities. Common career paths include becoming a childcare director, crisis specialist, and social service assistants. Put simply, professionals work to evaluate the effect of life events such as adolescence, marriages, and parenthood on individuals to create strategies for encouraging increased intellectual and emotional health.
Given the fact that human and family relationships are changing (especially with the advance in technology), many professionals consider obtaining master’s degrees. The advanced coursework of these programs are designed to ensure that students are up to date on the latest research and on the forefront of contemporary human development—courses cover adolescent problematic behavior as well as theories of family development and change. With the insight that degree holders provide, society can better understand how to intervene and encourage close human and family relationships that allow for maturity and compassion.
A master’s degree in human and family development is versatile. Graduates often become childcare directors, crisis specialists, as well as human and social service assistants.
Online degrees are often indistinguishable from standard degrees, and many well-respected programs offer online degrees.
Yes. Many schools and programs now offer online programs for human and family development.
The specific requirements vary depending on the school or program. But most will require a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and an acceptable GRE score.
Advanced degree holders often have higher salaries and chances of employment. But finances and job stability aside, programs offer rewarding training that helps professionals refine their skills.
The desire for healthier relationships is thankfully growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that common positions in human and family development will grow faster than the national average. For example, human and social service assistant positions are expected to grow at a rate of 16% (a very high rate). But aside from job stability, professionals enjoy fulfilling careers helping others develop the empathy and patience necessary for rewarding relationships.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
