What you will study
The Human Development and Family Science program at UCM covers the full cycle of life,
from birth and development to death and grief. With many elective credits included
as part of the degree program, Human Development and Family Science majors can sculpt
coursework to reflect their interests. This flexibility also makes the program ideal
for transfer students.
Program faculty have extensive professional experience in their fields and many serve
with state or national organizations. The UCM Human Development and Family Science
program gives you the opportunity to take part in faculty research. This is an excellent
way to gain insight into the most current issues and trends in the field. Faculty
research experience means undergraduate research opportunities, giving you a competitive
edge with future employers and graduate schools.
Some of UCM’s courses on human development and over the lifespan include:
- Child and Adolescent Development: Engage with the physical, cognitive and psychosocial factors that shape childhood
development. Experiment with making toys to discover what draws children to them.
- Family Systems and Lifespan Development: How do family relationships change over the course of the family life cycle? Learn
how to make a genogram, a tool for visualizing patterns — such as medical or behavioral
— that run through generations.
- Multicultural Study and Approaches with Families: Learn how to center individuals and families within their unique cultural heritage
context and the best methods for serving the needs of diverse communities with sensitivity.
Excellence in human development and family science
- #5: Best Child Development Degree Program (Intelligent, 2022)
- A Most Focused College for Human Development & Family Studies in the Plains States Region (College Factual,
2022)
- Top 15%: Most Popular Colleges for Child Development (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Most Popular Colleges for Human Development & Family Studies (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in human development and family science
The foundation of the University of Central Missouri’s Human Development and Family
Science program is experiential learning. Real experience in the field builds confidence
and prepares you for Human Development and Family Science degree jobs.
- Internships: Expand your working knowledge of specialty areas within human development and family
science by taking part in three internships. Two “mini” internships take place during
the academic year, while the third takes place over the summer. Students have experienced
development in childhood firsthand while interning with a Tanzanian orphanage, a South
African hospital, summer camps in New York and Florida, domestic violence shelters
and many more. The connections UCM students make during these internships often lead
to desirable human development and family science degree jobs.
- Student leadership: Get involved with our vibrant student groups to grow your network, develop professionally
and gain resume-worthy experiences. Central’s Society for Child and Family Development,
Children in Healthcare and Medical Play, Recovery Central and Pre-Marriage and Family
Therapy are all active groups on campus.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from
UCM?
Your Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science from the University
of Central Missouri will bring you to the attention of employers in many fields who
will be eager to hire you. 94% of our program’s graduates are employed or accepted
into graduate school within six months of graduation.
Human development and family science degree jobs vary widely. Whichever aspect of
this field most interests you is likely to offer exciting roles that will put your
UCM undergraduate education to good use.
At UCM, we help you sort through your many options for development in careers in human
services. You’ll be exposed to a wide variety of fields through diverse course content
and interactions with practicing professionals. We also support you with dedicated
advisors as part of our commitment to making sure you’re ready to step into your new
career in lifespan or childhood development and human services.
Learn more about human development and family science degree jobs
A bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from UCM is extremely
versatile. Use our interactive tool below to explore income and employment trends
for this inclusive and in-demand discipline.
Financial assistance options for your Human Development and Family Science degree
The University of Central Missouri has low tuition fees and a recognized commitment
to low student debt. We offer many options to help finance your college education.
If you’re studying childhood and family development at UCM, your four-year degree
program comes with the additional benefit — and value — of a professional certification
at no extra cost. UCM is one of only four Missouri schools where you can earn a nationally
recognized Certified Family Life Educator credential simply by completing your standard
bachelor’s degree program coursework.
As a Human Development and Family Science major, you may be eligible for dedicated
funds in addition to university-wide financial aid. Use the to learn more about our program-specific scholarships.
#5 Program in the United States
Overall Best Job Placement Rate
The Human Development and Family Science program at the University of Central Missouri
was ranked fifth best in the nation on Intelligent magazine’s 2022 list of Best Child
Development Degree Programs. We earned top marks for our extraordinary 94% job placement
rate.
Meet Rachael D., MS, PPCMA
BS Child and Family Development ’19
“The most valuable lessons I learned during my entire academic career stemmed from
the Child and Family Development program. It helped foster a sense of confidence and
competence and provided a delicate balance of support and challenge.”
CFLE Certification Included
Effortlessly add a professional certification to your degree
Earn the nationally recognized Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential while
studying childhood and family development. The requirements for the CFLE are rolled
into your program: When you complete your normal coursework you will graduate with
a keen competitive edge, no additional coursework or exams necessary.
Earn the Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Credential
Work towards industry-standard certification in health care
A CCLS credential is an invaluable asset if you know that you want to work with children.
Completing certain child development courses at UCM will provide you with the opportunity
to meet the educational requirements for a CCLS as you earn your bachelor’s degree
in Human Development and Family Science.
Ideal Program for Transfer Students
Your existing credits count toward your new degree
The Human Development and Family Science degree program includes many elective credits.
Whether you’re coming from another institution or another UCM degree program, as a
transfer student you’ll be able to count most or all of your previous courses toward
your electives and graduate on your original schedule.
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