Human Development and Family Science

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Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science

Concentrations Offered

Child Development, Child Life, Family Science, Family and Consumer Science Teacher Education, Youth Development

Certificates / Endorsements

Certified Family Life Educator credential, Trauma-Informed Child Advocacy endorsement

Top 5 Reasons to Study

Understand human development from infancy through adulthood.

Prepare for a variety of public and private sector jobs.

Study in an accredited program.

Pursue credentials aligned with your career goals.

Help children and families thrive.

Core
Skills

Analyze human development across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood, using interdisciplinary perspectives.
Evaluate social issues and public policies to understand their impact on children, families, and community well-being.
Apply knowledge of cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development within diverse cultural and family contexts.
Prepare for professional roles in public and private sectors that support children, youth, adults, and families.
Support individuals and families at every life stage using evidence-based strategies that promote resilience and well-being.

Sample
Jobs

Early Childhood Teacher
Child Life Specialist
Child Development Specialist / Child Advocate
Certified Family Life Educator
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher

Successful Career Outcomes

Strong Job Placement Our human development and family science graduates have a 93% job placement.

Job Opportunities Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034.

Top
Employment
Industries

Education
Child Advocacy
Family Services
Early Childhood Education/Childcare
Healthcare

Brag
Points

Students participate in real-world application through lab experiences at the Child Development and Family Studies Center and internships in settings that align with the students’ career goals.
The human development and family science undergraduate program meets national standards for Provisional Certified Family Life Educator approval and is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Your path to a meaningful career of caring for—and changing—lives begins with Mississippi State’s human development and family science major. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how children, adolescents, and families grow, develop, and thrive, while building the skills needed to teach, support, and guide them toward healthy, successful futures. Experiential learning is central to the program. Through hands-on lab work at the MSU Child Development and Family Studies Center, field-based coursework, and internships aligned with your career goals, you’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings—making a difference every day and graduating prepared to impact lives with confidence.

Spotlight

The child development concentration explores the growth and development of children (conception until adolescence) within the family system and sociocultural environment. The coursework prepares students to become competent early care and education professionals, parent educators, child advocates, and early interventionists within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Students participate in real-world application through lab experiences at the Child Development and Family Studies Center and internships in settings that align with the students’ career goals. Students who intern with a licensed teacher have the opportunity to obtain a Mississippi Pre-K–K license. The child development major is also offered online through the Center for Distance Education.