UGA Specific Information for Human Development and Family Science

The major in Human Development and Family Science at UGA is designed for students who want a broad understanding of individuals and families across the life span. Students learn about the developmental progression of individuals from the prenatal period to the end of life and focus on the interactions among individuals, families, communities, and society.

Through major coursework, electives and experiential learning, students can prepare for graduate study in the field as well as a wide variety of careers supporting families and improving lives. The major helps students apply theory and research on human development to practice and policy.

With their knowledge of children, couples, and families, students in HDFS can enter professions such as social work, marriage and family therapy and professional counseling, healthcare, policy-making, or law, just to name a few. Our students provide therapeutic support to families coping with chronic disease or advocate for policies on Capitol Hill. They lead non-profit organizations designed to promote positive youth and family development around the U.S. and abroad, and plenty more. What can you do with a degree in HDFS? The question is, what can’t you do?!

The Association of Child Life Professionals has established the bachelor's degree as a minimal requirement for Child Life certification. Although not required, an advanced degree provides more in-depth knowledge and experience in Child Life. We currently offer two degree programs in Child Life that require an application for admittance: a two-year [url=http://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/graduate-programs-m.s.-child-life"]http://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/graduate-programs-m.s.-child-life"[/url] target="blank">Child Life M.S. and a five-year [url=https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/double-dawgs-child-life"]https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/double-dawgs-child-life"[/url] target="blank">Double Dawgs program, which combines Human Development and Family Science (B.S.F.C.S.) and Child Life (M.S.). The Double Dawgs program includes a full year of clinical experience and coursework at Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, GA.

Students who complete our major change the discipline. They are employed in colleges and universities, hospitals, government agencies, research institutes, and in mental health settings.

Source: https://bulletin.uga.edu/MajorsGeneral?MajorId=40



Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Human Development and Family Science*

** Includes Self-Employed


Campus Resources


Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

  • Join a student organization related to your interests and goals. Get active and taken on leadership roles in professional, service, social, advocacy, and/or honor organizations to gain valuable experience.


Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
  • My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
  • Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
  • Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
  • UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
  • Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
  • Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.


Employment Websites


Professional Associations/Resources


Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Human Development and Family Science majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
ADDO Worldwide Client Care and Program Representative
ADP Implementation Specialist
Ally Behavior Centers Registered Behavior Technician
Anatolia College Postgraduate Fellow in Elementary Education
Aspire Clinic Intern
Atrium Health Navicent Child Life Specialist
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Partner Agent
BlueSprig Behavioral Technician
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Teen Specialist
Child and Youth Services Lead Child Development Program Assistant
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Child Life Specialist
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Engagement Coordinator
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Behavioral Health Technician
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Seating Technician
Classic City Cycling Studio Manager
College Advising Corps University of Georgia College Advisor
Confluent Health Front Desk Coordinator
Coxe Curry & Associates Intern
Cresco Montessori School Assistant Teacher
Cresco Montessori School Assistant Teacher
Delta Air Lines Care Fund Coordinator
Discovery Point Lead Pre-K Teacher
E & J Gallo Winery Sales Consultant
Enovis Sales Consultant
Extra Special People, Inc. Intern
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Catering Administrative Assistant
Georgia Association of Realtors Advocacy Coordinator
Georgia Division of Family & Children Services Social Services Specialist
Hospitality South, LLC Assistant Manager
Integrity Health & Wellness Medical Assistant
Jacob's Ladder Neurodevelopmental School & Therapy Center Neurodevelopmental Provider
Kyo Behavioral Therapist
LocumTenens.com CVO Specialist
Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Junior Dolphins Program Coach
Newton Ray Social Media and Marketing Director
Next Generation Focus Afterschool Program Director
Northwestern Medicine Child Life Intern
Nuci's Space Development Intern
Peach State Academy Lead Teacher
Planet Fitness Team Member
Prince Avenue Baptist Church College Apprentice
Savannah Dental Dental Assistant
St. Mary’s Health Care System Clinical Technician
University of Georgia UGA Development & Alumni Relations Alumni Relations Officer Terry College of Business
Verkada Associate Account Executive
* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Human Development and Family Science majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Athens Technical College Interdisciplinary Studies, Associate
Auburn University Child Life, MS
Augusta University Counselor Education, Master's
Augusta University Nursing, BSN
Augusta University Nursing, BSN
Augusta University Nursing, BSN
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Occupational Therapy, MHS
Augusta University Occupational Therapy, MHS
Augusta University Occupational Therapy, MHS
Augusta University Clinical Nurse Leader Program, MSN
Augusta University Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN
Augusta University Physician Assistant, MS
Belmont University Occupational Therapy, OTD
Cape Fear Community College Program and Degree Not Specified
Emory University Nursing, MN/MSN
Emory University Nursing, MSN
Emory University Nursing, MSN
Emory University Divinity, Master’s
Georgia State University Occupational Therapy, OTD
Georgia State University Occupational Therapy, OTD
Georgia State University Occupational Therapy, OTD
Georgia State University School Counseling, Degree Not Specified
Georgia State University School Counseling, MEd
Georgia State University Physical Therapy, DPT
Kennesaw State University Nursing Accelerated, Bachelor's
Kennesaw State University Nursing Accelerated, BSN
Medical University of South Carolina Program and Degree Not Specified
Mercer University Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS
MGH Institute of Health Professions Occupational Therapy, OTD
Morehouse School of Medicine Medical Sciences, Degree Not Specified
National Louis University Clinical Psychology, PsyD
Richmont Graduate University Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS
Tennessee Wesleyan University Program and Degree Not Specified
The Catholic University of America Program and Degree Not Specified
University of Central Florida Nursing, Bachelor's
University of Denver Social Work, MSW
University of East Carolina Occupational Therapy, MS
University of Georgia Nonprofit Management and Leadership, MA
University of Georgia Nonprofit Management And Leadership, MA
University of Georgia Social Work, MS
University of Georgia Social Work, MSW
University of Georgia Applied Consumer Analytics, Master’s
University of Kentucky Strategic Human Resource Management and Analytics, MS
University of North Georgia Biology, Bachelor's
Vanderbilt University Communication Sciences and Disorders, MEd
Western Carolina University Accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing, ABSN
Western Governors University Elementary Education, MAT
* denotes no responses received.