Human Development and Family Science

You will enter Human Development and Family Science to learn how to support individuals and families in diverse settings. You will leave prepared to thrive in an array of careers, including healthcare, mental healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, and many more.

Why HDFS @ UGA?

We have incredible faculty in the HDFS department who connect our course content to relevant issues, constantly improve their teaching strategies, and are committed to supporting us as future family science professionals.

What are you interested in learning? Choose a focus.

• Health and Wellness

  Build upon foundational coursework in Human Development & Family Science to pursue graduate education for careers in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and others.

• Prevention and Intervention

  Build upon foundational coursework in Human Development & Family Science to pursue graduate education in therapy, counseling, social work, nonprofit, policy, law, and others.

  If you want to be eligible for Family Life Education Certification through the National Council on Family Relations, you must choose the Prevention and Intervention focus area.

• Child Life

  If you are interested in Child Life, you can apply to obtain a Child Life Certificate or apply to the Child Life Emphasis. You will have the opportunity to observe developmentally appropriate practices at the Child Development Lab at the McPhaul Center.

• Coursework

  Learn more about your learning opportunities in Major Coursework.

Featured Faculty

Kandauda A.S. Wickrama

K.A.S. Wickrama brings his research experiences to the courses he teaches. He also learns from his students, who shape his research questions through their classroom discussions.

Meet a Student: Sarah Beth

Contact

For more information about our department, contact Dr. Melissa Scott Kozak or schedule an appointment with the Student Success & Advising Center.