Key course content
- Child and Family Health
- Counseling and Coaching
- Diversity in Human Development
- Disability and Exceptionality
- Family Systems and Policy
- Therapeutic Value of Play
- Ethics and Leadership
- Parent Education
- Identity and Sexuality
- Resource Management
- Family Stress/Resilience
- Youth Development
- Research methods
- Innovative Program Development
HDFS offers interdisciplinary strength
The development of young children, adolescents and their families is best understood from a broad interdisciplinary perspective – one that honors psychological, sociological, economic, medical, education, cultural and biological experiences.
You will have the opportunity to complete classes from HDFS, education (policy, innovation, and leadership), sociology, psychology, allied health, social work, and other disciplines. The degree prepares you to work in human service agencies serving children, youth and adults responding to the needs of an increasingly diverse society. We offer you opportunities to explore outside of the classroom through internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, and the many other opportunities available to you at Carolina.
Optional concentrations
The HDFS program offers two optional concentrations: Child and Family Health and Family Life Education.
The Child and Family Health concentration will provide you with knowledge about a variety of health issues and professions. Students will complete courses in allied health, sociology of health, child development, biology, and related programs.
Family Life Education provides you with the information, skills, experiences, or resources needed to strengthen and improve or enrich the lives of children, youth, and families. Family Life Education focuses on prevention education with a focus on areas such as: sexuality education, resource management, parenting education, family policy, interpersonal relationships, and family stress management.
SoE Honors Program
The Honors program/thesis offers you the opportunity to sharpen your skills of analysis, synthesis, and research. It also provides a means for outstanding students to graduate from the University and the School of Education with honors. This may be particularly attractive and advantageous for those students interested in graduate and/or professional schools.
Career opportunities
Our graduates pursue work in educational settings, nonprofit agencies, hospitals, and social services. They pursue graduate programs in teacher education, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, child life, and medicine.
Built-in networking
All HDFS students are welcome to join the The Carolina Student Council on Family Relations (CSCFR).
CSCFR is a registered student led organization that does community service, fundraising, and plans events for area children, youth, and families. Participation in CSCFR offers a place to network, participate in governance, and engage in community volunteering.