What is Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)?
- What can I do with an HDFS degree?
- What makes UGA's HDFS program unique?
- How can I learn more about the HDFS curriculum?
- What focus areas are available in HDFS?
- Which focus area is best for pre-health students?
- Which focus area should I choose if I want to become a counselor, therapist, or social worker?
- How do I become eligible for Family Life Education Certification?
- Does UGA offer opportunities for students interested in Child Life?
- I’m on a pre-health track. Can Double Dawgs help me?
- Will I have hands-on learning opportunities?
- Is HDFS a good major for graduate school preparation?
- Who should I contact if I have questions about the HDFS major?
- Where have recent graduates been employed or admitted for graduate study?
- Can HDFS be combined with pre-med or pre-nursing?
- How can I get involved through student organizations?
- What research opportunities exist for undergraduates?
- What can I do with an HDFS degree?
HDFS graduates pursue careers and graduate education in areas such as:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Mental Health Professions
- Social Work
- Nonprofit Administration
- Education
- Public Policy
The degree provides a strong foundation for helping professions and graduate study.
- What makes UGA's HDFS program unique?
Students learn from faculty who connect coursework to current issues, continually improve their teaching practices, and are committed to supporting students' professional development and career preparation.
- How can I learn more about the HDFS curriculum?
Students can review the HDFS major coursework requirements and learning opportunities through the department's curriculum resources and UGA Bulletin.
- What focus areas are available in HDFS?
Students can choose from several areas of interest:
Each focus area builds on core HDFS coursework and supports different career goals.
- Which focus area is best for pre-health students?
The Health and Wellness focus is designed for students interested in graduate education and careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related health professions.
- Which focus area should I choose if I want to become a counselor, therapist, or social worker?
The Prevention and Intervention focus supports students interested in counseling, therapy, social work, nonprofit work, law, public policy, and related helping professions.
- How do I become eligible for Family Life Education Certification?
Students interested in becoming eligible for Family Life Education Certification (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations must choose the Prevention and Intervention focus area.
- Does UGA offer opportunities for students interested in Child Life?
Yes. Students interested in Child Life can apply for a Child Life Certificate or the Child Life Emphasis. They also have opportunities to observe developmentally appropriate practices through the Child Development Lab at the McPhaul Center.
- I’m on a pre-health track. Can Double Dawgs help me?
If you're going into careers in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and other related healthcare professions, the professional programs required to enter those fields will be the most appropriate education for you after graduating with your HDFS degree in most instances, though we encourage you to check with an advisor to about your specific case. If you are interested in research or eventually pursuing a Ph.D., Double Dawgs is a fantastic option.
- Will I have hands-on learning opportunities?
Yes. HDFS students have opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, including observation and applied learning opportunities through programs such as the Child Development Lab.
- Is HDFS a good major for graduate school preparation?
Yes. The program is designed to provide foundational knowledge and experiences that prepare students for graduate education in healthcare, counseling, social work, education, child life, and other helping professions.
- Who should I contact if I have questions about the HDFS major?
Prospective and current students can contact Dr. Melissa Scott Kozak or schedule an appointment with the Student Success & Advising Center for additional guidance and information about the program.
- Where have recent graduates been employed or admitted for graduate study?
For more information about this, review the results of the Student Career Outcomes Survey.
- Can HDFS be combined with pre-med or pre-nursing?
Yes! Did you know that HDFS 2200 is a prerequisite for UGA Nursing?
Communicate your intentions with your advisor and connect with the Pre-Professional Advising Office at UGA.
- How can I get involved through student organizations?
You can join HDFSA, Child Life, AAFCS, and more! Check out Student Opportunities for more information.
- What research opportunities exist for undergraduates?
You can gain experience in HDFS Faculty Labs through the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunity (CURO).