Human Development and Family Science

The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) major prepares students to provide educational, preventive and intervention services to individuals and families which enhance personal, family and community well-being. Students develop the skills needed to assist people of all ages achieve individual and family well-being.

HDFS is an approved program for Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)  provisional certification status through the National Council on Family Relations. This allows graduates who have completed the required  CFLE coursework  to become certified through an abbreviated CFLE application versus taking the certification exam, saving them time and money. 

Why Study Human Development and Family Science?

The Human Development and Family Science program at Illinois State prepares you to help people with a variety of choices that impact their lives. This includes:

• Family life and parent education
• Social service
• Camp and residential care programs
• Child care
• Crisis intervention

The program also prepares students for graduate studies in:

• Family science
• Child and human development
• Marriage and family therapy
• Counseling
• Social work
• Child life
• Other related disciplines

Related Skills

• Strong work ethic and professional manners
• Proven leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Enjoy working with children, teens, and adults
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Sensitive to the needs of other people
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to work individually and in a team

Being Successful in the Field

• A master's degree in counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or related field, in addition to appropriate professional licensure, is usually necessary to provide therapy and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions
• Complete practicum experiences and internships to determine suitability for the helping professions and to gain exposure to various practice settings and clients
• Candidates should possess empathy for others, an appreciation for diversity, and an interest in social change
• Gain experience with a diverse range of clients and client systems including individuals, families, groups, communities, and minorities

For students interested in early childhood education or developmental therapy, Human Development and Family Science is not an approved major and does not fulfill the requirements for the associated credentials in the State of Illinois. 

Related Fields

Specific coursework and graduate degrees are required for some occupations.  Students should investigate their desired occupation or area of graduate study and plan for such coursework as early as possible.  

For students interested in early childhood education or developmental therapy, Human Development and Family Science is not an approved major and does not fulfill the requirements for the associated credentials in the State of Illinois.

Social Services / Nonprofit

• Administration and Planning
• Case Management
• Advocacy
• Program Evaluation
• Policy Development
• Volunteer Coordination

Employers

• Social welfare agencies
• Federal, state, and local government
• Private social service agencies
• Group homes
• Religiously affiliated organizations
• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers

Strategies

Volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, domestic violence shelters, literacy programs, or other social service agencies to gain relevant experience and demonstrate interest.

Criminal Justice / Corrections

• Youth Services
• Victim Assistance
• Family/Parent education

Employers

• Prisons and correctional facilities
• Courts
• Police departments
• Probation and parole offices
• Victim services organizations

Strategies

Human services workers in corrections focus on education and rehabilitating clients and assisting victims.

Obtain experience by volunteering at a corrections facility or a victim services organization such as a rape crisis center.

Gerontology

• Advocacy
• Case Management
• Programming – Activity Director
• Public Policy
• Administration

Employers

• Hospitals
• Nursing and retirement homes
• Senior centers
• Hospice

Strategies

Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill, and their families.

Become involved with programs or organizations designed for senior citizens.

Administration

• Management
• Policy Development
• Planning

Employers

• Family service agencies
• Child welfare departments
• Social service agencies
• State mental health departments
• Employee assistance programs
• Probation departments
• Public interest groups
• Local, state, and federal government

Strategies

Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, management, fundraising, and other crucial operating responsibilities that keep an organization functioning. Gain management experience through internships, part-time employment, or leadership in relevant student organizations. Supplement curriculum with coursework in areas such as public relations, advertising, accounting, or management.

Child Welfare

• Case Management
• Advocacy
• Service Coordination

Employers

• Public or private child welfare agencies
• Adoption agencies
• Foster care organizations
• Childcare centers
• Recreational facilities (i.e., YMCA or YWCA)
• Head Start programs

Strategies

Child welfare workers strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children through interventions and programming.

Volunteer at childcare centers, social service agencies, camps, YMCA/YWCA, Scouts, or other agencies that aid youth and children. Take additional courses in child development or early childhood education. Also, consider a related minor.

Developmental Disabilities

• Case Management
• Advocacy
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Policy Development
• Rehabilitation

Employers

• Community residential homes
• State and local agencies
• Medical facilities
• Mental health organizations
• Schools
• Employment agencies
• Vocational rehabilitation

Strategies

Human service workers specializing in this area help people with disabilities to adjust to and lead productive lives.

Volunteer at special needs camps, child care centers, schools, or hospitals to gain experience. Gain experience with and knowledge of a variety of disabilities.

Obtain specialized training in areas such as sign language or assistive technology for additional opportunities. Earn a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling for opportunities in Vocational Rehabilitation.

Health Care

• Hospice
• Case Management
• Counseling
• Program Development
• Child Life
• Patient Advocate

Employers

• Hospitals
• Community health centers
• Outpatient clinics
• Public health programs
• Nursing homes
• Group homes
• Substance abuse and psychiatric services

Strategies

Health care workers facilitate the medical and psychiatric treatment of patients and assist their families.

Volunteer in health related settings such as hospitals or medical camps or the American Red Cross to gain experience.

Complete appropriate prerequisites for entrance into professional programs such as occupational therapy, physician's assistant, or physical therapy.

Career Industry Liaison

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 15. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Minimum GPA

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.76 - 3.20

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Human & Family Development (FCS 101)
• Enduring Issues for Couples & Families (FCS 224)
• Psychology (PSY 110 or 111)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.76 - 3.20

Application Period

August 1 - September 21; January 1 - February 21; April 1 - May 21

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Applications for the fall semester are accepted:

• January 1 - February 21
• April 1 - May 21

Applicaitons for the spring semester are accepted:

• August 15 - September 21

Academic Advising