Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2020-2021 
    
University Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Development and Family Science (BS)


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CIP Code = 190701

Career Opportunities

Students completing the BS degree in Human Development and Family Science will choose one or more of three concentrations: Child Development Specialist, Child Life, or Family Science. All concentrations provide students with a broad background in child development and guidance, family dynamics, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills. Each concentration includes theory-based courses, application-based courses, and experiential education courses.

The Child Development Specialist concentration prepares students to work with children from birth through adolescence in a variety of settings, including youth services/activities, child/family advocacy agencies, education centers, social service agencies, Head Start programs, non-profit and/or faith-based organizations, child protective services, child care facilities, residential facilities, child development and/or parent education training facilities, and community organizations. Graduates are prepared to directly enter into their professional careers and they are also prepared to apply for graduate school in areas such as: social work, education (curriculum and instruction, administration/education leadership), counseling (community, school, marriage, and family therapy), human/child development, or psychology (school, social, child). The Child Development Specialist concentration is not a teacher certification program.

The Child Life concentration prepares students to become child life specialists. After completing the BS degree in Human Development and Family Science, graduates must complete an internship and pass a national certification examination to become Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS). Child life specialists work primarily in the hospital setting, although some graduates have obtained jobs working with children in social service and community agencies, and in bereavement programs.

The Family Science concentration prepares students to work with families in a variety of settings, including family service and youth agencies, aging facilities, family life education, cooperative extension, employee assistance programs, and law or public policy. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree and course requirements, graduates are eligible for certification as a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations. Many students completing this concentration pursue graduate studies in family studies, child development, counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, gerontology, early intervention, or seminary.

Program Information

The Human Development and Family Science program adheres to University guidelines for upper division. Students are required to hold upper division standing before enrolling in 300 and 400 level Family and Child Studies courses. A grade of “C” or better in all courses within the School of Human Ecology is required in order to meet graduation requirements.

Family and Child Studies Curriculum (BS)


Freshman Year


English (GER)


Humanities (GER)


  • 3 Semester Credit Hours
  • Select one Humanities (GER) course from the following disciplines: Literature, Foreign Languages, History, Classical Studies, Communications, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or Interdisciplinary. NOTE: some of these subject matter disciplines may not be offered at Louisiana Tech University.  3 Semester Credit Hours.

Mathematics (GER)


  • Mathematics GER 3 Semester Credit Hours
  • Mathematics GER 3 Semester Credit Hours

Fine Arts (GER)


Natural Sciences (GER)**


  • Select one Life Science course from the following disciplines: Animal Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Environmental Science, Plant Science, or Zoology.  NOTE: some of these subject matter disciplines may not be offered at Louisiana Tech University.  3 Semester Credit Hours

Major Courses


Total: 30 SCH


Sophomore Year


Natural Sciences (GER)**


  • Select one Physical Science course from the following disciplines: Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Astronomy, or Meteorology.  NOTE: some of these subject matter disciplines may not be offered at Louisiana Tech University.  3 Semester Credit Hours
  • Select one additional course from either Physical or Life Science.  3 Semester Credit Hours

Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER)


Select two Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER) courses from the following two disciplines. NOTE: some of these subject matter disciplines may not be offered at Louisiana Tech University.  6 Semester Credit Hours.

  • Social Sciences - Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, International Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, or Political Science
  • Behavioral Sciences - Psychology or Sociology

Major Courses


Electives


  • Electives 3 Semester Credit Hours

Total: 30 SCH


Junior Year


Major Courses


Electives


  • Electives  4 Semester Credit Hours

Total: 30 SCH


Senior Year


Humanities (GER)


Major Courses


Electives


  • Electives  6 Semester Credit Hours

Total: 30 SCH


Total Semester Hours 120


** Natural Science (GER) - 6 hours of Natural Sciences MUST be from the same discipline and the other 3 hours from the other catagory of science (Life or Physical Science).

 

Concentration Areas Offered


* Concentration Courses chosen by student in consultation with advisor from one of the following concentrations:

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