Department of Human Development, Family Science and Counseling

Preparing students to become administrators of child development or family services programs, early childhood educators, counselors and more!

The Human Development, Family Science and Counseling department faculty prepare students for a variety of careers such as marriage, family and couples counselors, school counselors, clinical mental health counselors, administrators of child development or family services programs, licensed early childhood teachers, child development specialists, school age program coordinators and family public policy advocates.


Program Areas


Research & News

Students working with Sarah Mitchell at a table.

Undergraduate students engage in hands-on research in the College of Education & Human Development

'I view each of my students as a collaborator, and it’s been a joy to see them grow into confident researchers who are eager to contribute to the broader academic community'

Samuel Rosales Rivas (center) shaking hands with Francisco Lopez Cabrera (left) and Marbel Alberto (right).

Grads of the Pack: Francisco Lopez Cabrera

‘I’m committed to helping students grow and to creating school communities where they can thrive’

A group of students in South Korea sitting on steps.

College of Education & Human Development students learn about South Korea's education system through global exchange

‘I really enjoyed being able to connect to the students at KNUE and learning about their culture and how it reflects on their education’


Bachelor Degrees

B.S. in Early Childhood Education

Students will receive a comprehensive education to prepare them to become licensed early childhood teachers while gaining a rich understanding of child development and fostering strong partnerships with families.

B.S. in Human Development and Family Science

This major prepares students to work with children, adolescents, teens, and families in a variety of professions. The study of theory and research findings is coordinated with a variety of supervised field experiences. Our Human Development & Family Science bachelor's degree program is ranked top 5 in the far western U.S. region.



Master Degrees

Counseling

College of Education & Human Development graduate degrees include emphases in marriage, couple and family counseling; school counseling; and clinical mental health therapy/counseling.

Master of Arts in Counseling (MA)

Human Development and Family Science

The program prepares students for a variety of careers such as administrators of child development or family services programs, child development specialists, school age program coordinators, youth program specialists, community education instructors, parent educators, family financial planners, consumer advocates and family public policy advocates.

Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science (MS)


Ph.D. Degrees

Ph.D. in Education: Counselor Education and Supervision

This area of emphasis is an excellent fit for individuals who wish to pursue counselor education and counseling leadership positions, excelling in research, writing, teaching, service, securing external funding, assuming professional leadership roles in the counseling field, and providing clinical supervision.

Ph.D. in Education: Human Development and Family Science

The Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science provides students with a strong foundation in developmental, interpersonal, and family theories, in-depth research skills and expertise, and builds in-depth knowledge in a content area chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor.