Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) is a department within the School of Human Ecology (HE), which currently has over 270 undergraduate majors who focus on the study of families and the individuals within the family unit. Our program is unique in that it is located in the College of Natural Sciences, giving our majors a solid science background. Our HDFS curriculum focuses on students developing knowledge and experience about individuals and the family through observation, interaction, research, and writing, and provides ample opportunities for students to implement the skills they have mastered. The combination of science and HDFS gives students an excellent preparation for a future in allied health professions, graduate school or advance degrees, research careers in HDFS, or for employment that has indirect or direct contact with children, families, or adults.
Students choose between five tracks, Early Childhood, Human Development, Families and Personal Relationships, Families and Society, and General Human Development and Family Sciences, which requires a 3.00 GPA. Regardless of a student's track or course work, all diplomas read Human Development and Family Sciences.
All tracks require students to take nine hours of approved support coursework outside of the major. It is recommended that these courses be geared toward the student's future career goals and objectives. All tracks require a research and/or applied practicum, with some students opting to do both. Our program allows students to look ahead to their future, and design a program (within the required framework) that best meets their career needs. For coursework requirements, please consult the UT Catalog.
Option I: Early Childhood - This option is designed to provide the necessary foundation for further study or a career in working with children in applied settings.
Option II: Human Development - This option involves the study of development across the lifespan.
Option III: Families and Personal Relationships - This option involves the study of the formation and maintenance of close relationships, especially couple and family relationships.
Option IV: Families and Society - This option involves the study of the family and its interactions with larger socioeconomic systems, such as the economy, work and school, the media, public policy, and government.
Option V: General Human Development and Family Sciences - This option allows the student to individualize the degree plan to match his or her career goals. Option V is limited to students with an in-residence University grade point average of at least 3.00 and consent of the undergraduate adviser.
Non-Major Practicum Application
Practicum-Applied (HDF 352, 352L, 652F,
652P)
Practicum-Research (HDF 355)
Degree
Requirements
Course
Description
Specific Career Programs
Student Advising
Support Courses
Degree
Plans
BS
in Human Development and Family Sciences
BA
in Human Ecology
Students interested in finding internships, exploring career opportunities, or planning for graduate school should visit the College
of Natural Sciences Career Services website and schedule an appointment with an advisor by calling 512-471-6700. The Natural Sciences Career Services office can provide access to an exclusive college job database (e-Recruiting) and add you to the hdfs-career listserv.
Return to HDFS Student Resources Page
