The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program prepares graduates for mission-driven careers that support children, families, and communities. Through coursework, research, internships, and hands-on experiences, students develop a deep understanding of human development, communication, advocacy, and evidence-based decision-making.
Why Employers and Graduate Schools Seek Out HDFS Graduates
HDFS graduates are known for their ability to:
- Understand the complex factors that shape child, family, and community well-being
- Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Analyze research and translate findings into practice
- Build relationships, solve problems, and work collaboratively
- Support children, families, and communities through critical life transitions
These transferable skills prepare graduates to thrive in a variety of professional settings and competitive graduate programs.
Learn More About the Program
Career Pathways
Human Services and Community Engagement
Support individuals and families through nonprofit organizations, community agencies, and public service programs. Common roles include:
- Outreach and Family Engagement Coordinator
- Community Resources Coordinator
- Parent Liaison
- Child Care Referral Specialist
- Youth Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager
Education and Student Support
Work alongside students, families, educators, and school communities to promote learning and well-being. Common roles include:
- Student Services Specialist
- After-School Counselor
- Scholastic Support Staff
- Behavioral Technician
Health Care and Family Support
Help children, patients, and families navigate health care systems and access critical resources. Common roles include:
- Child Life Specialist*
- Family Support Coordinator
- Patient Services Specialist
*Additional requirements may apply.
Business, Operations, and Organizational Leadership
Apply interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills in mission-driven businesses and organizations. Common roles include:
- Development Coordinator or Specialist
- Administrative Support Specialist
- Program Coordinator
- Human Resources Professional
Graduate and Professional Pathways
Many HDFS graduates continue their education in fields that allow them to deepen their impact and expand their career opportunities. Popular graduate and professional programs include:
Education and Counseling
- Teacher Education
- School Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Psychology
- Higher Education Student Affairs
Health Professions
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Public Health
Family and Community Services
- Social Work
- Marriage and Family Therapy
Leadership, Policy, and Innovation
- Educational Technology
- Human Resources
- Law
Alumni Testimonials
Aaruba Ayesha
The UNC School of Education has been supportive throughout my four years, but especially during my junior and senior year, when COVID-19 struck. The pandemic created a lot of chaos and stress during my study abroad semester and the start of my senior year, but my advisor, professors, and fellow HDFS students were there for me and helped me prepare for the rest of the semester.
Mady Clahane
Every professor I have had in the UNC School of Education has always offered themselves as a person to talk to about my own career goals, plans, and anxieties surrounding them. I have always felt like I have a team behind me that is excited for my career development and wants to help me make a difference in the world.
Alexandria Organ
The UNC School of Education equipped me with the knowledge and empathy needed to understand and support the whole child in my work with students.
Courtney Medina
The UNC School of Education has pushed me to expand my knowledge and become more well-rounded through the HDFS course requirements such as educational policy, social justice in education, and adolescent development. It has also provided me with research opportunities through Dr. Espelage's lab that allowed me to explore my personal research interests and solidify a career outlook for myself.
Darian Abernathy
Our stories are valuable. When we listen to each other, we are blessed with the opportunity to educate ourselves on how to be better, more loving people. Story-telling helps us to create a better world. I would love to see people value education, educators, change-agents and the incredible work they offer to our society.
Justis Mitchel
The UNC School of Education has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to take a class to fill up your schedule on a topic your interested in, or applying to a program that focuses on working closely with other people and developing you as a young professional, the School can offer that. I’ve been surrounded by people who are so passionate in so many different areas, and my professors have really embraced these passions to allow us to be confident in ourselves and our abilities to change the world.
Sydney Gutierrez
The UNC School of Education has taught me so much over these four years but the most important thing I've learned is to never stop learning. All of the professors, administration, and students in this school have a passion for learning and it shows in everything they do.