Department of Human Development & Family Sciences
Rooted in purpose. Driven by impact, fearless always.
The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences prepares you to make meaningful change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
In your program you'll focus on understanding how people grow, develop, and build relationships across the lifespan, and apply the knowledge in real-world settings. You will translate research into practice through hands-on experiences in education, healthcare, youth programs, community agencies, and human service organizations before you walk across the stage at graduation!
Human Development and Family Sciences is an applied and prevention-focused field. Rather than waiting for crises to occur, you will be trained to strengthen family systems, support healthy development, and design programs that promote well-being.
Why Choose Human Development and Family Sciences at SEMO?
- Flexible online and in-person pathways
- Clear professional options aligned with workforce demand
- Field experiences and internships built into your degree
- Strong preparation for applied human services careers and graduate school
Are you driven by purpose and motivated to make an impact? In this program you will thrive as a problem-solver, advocate, educator, and leader who is not afraid to step into complex human challenges.
Academic Programs
Learn Outside the Classroom
Learn From Experts
Courses
Program Foundation for Human Development & Family Sciences
SEMO's degree programs are designed to prepare students for a career. Degrees are developed with program objectives and student outcomes to help students succeed.
A degree from the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences at SEMO prepares you for opportunities in a various settings, including:
- Early childhood education and developmental services
- Community and nonprofit organizations
- Behavioral health and family support roles
- Youth mentoring and program leadership
- Healthcare and pediatric support settings
- Advocacy and prevention-focused programs
Career opportunities may include:
- Child Life Specialist
- Family Life Educator
- Case Manager
- Prevention Specialist
- Family Support Specialist
- Youth Program Coordinator
- Community Youth Advocate
- Early Childhood Specialist
- Developmental Consultant
- Program Director
The Child and Family Studies program learning objectives reflect nationally recognized professional standards across human development and family science. The program is grounded in:
This integrated foundation supports an applied, preventative, and evidence-based approach to promoting the well-being of children, families, and communities across the lifespan.
Knowledge and Theory: Students will demonstrate a foundation in human development and family studies, including empirical knowledge and major theories, to understand the complexity of individuals and families across the lifespan.
Application to Practice: Students will apply research and theory to real-world contexts such as education, program development, intervention, service provision, and/or policy to promote individual and family well-being.
Critical Thinking: Students will critically assess factors that influence individuals and families, identify needs, and generate evidence-based solutions to address diverse challenges.
Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Practice: Students will demonstrate an informed and responsive understanding of how life experiences and/or challenges shape the well-being of individuals and families.
Professional Integrity: Students will demonstrate preparedness for professional practice through ethical reasoning, professionalism, and effective communication and collaboration with individuals, families, and other professionals.
Family and Consumer Sciences Education program learning objectives are aligned with the Missouri Teacher Standards and the National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education developed by the National Association of State Administrators of Family and Consumer Sciences (NASAFACS).
Content Knowledge and Skills: Students will demonstrate content knowledge and skills in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Teacher Preparation: Students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for entry-level teaching in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to problem-solve and make informed judgments.
Professionalism: Students will demonstrate ethical professional behavior and effective working relationships. Students will demonstrate the ability to practice reflexivity, assess areas of needed growth, and seek out appropriate professional opportunities.
Accreditations
Emily Cummins
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Development & Family Sciences
Learn more about what you'll study, how this degree differs from related majors, and the career opportunities available after graduation.
Take the Next Step
Contact Us
Phone
Location
Office
Mailing Address
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701