The associate degree in human development and family studies offers an excellent professional development opportunity for those who already work in a human service–related field, but additionally serves as an appropriate entry point for those who aspire to human service-related occupations. This program integrates practical and academic experiences to provide the student with entry-level, professional competence in the human service fields. The objective of the major is to offer a general education background, a knowledge base in life span and family development, and a core of professional skills that may be applied in program planning and service delivery activities. Students can choose from two areas of focus.
Adult Development and Aging Services Option
This option is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of service roles in mental health facilities, nursing homes and other institutions for the aged, area agencies on aging, public welfare and family service, women's resource centers, human relations programs, employee assistance programs, and customer services and consumer relations programs in business and industry. An approved field experience in any of a wide variety of settings that serve adults, the aged, and their families is required for this option (HD FS 395).
Children, Youth, and Family Services Option
This option is designed to prepare students for service roles in preschools; day-care centers; hospitals; institutional and community programs for emotionally disturbed, abused, or neglected children and adolescents; and a variety of public welfare and family service agencies. An approved field experience in a children, youth, or family services setting is required for this option (HD FS 395).