Human Development and Family Science

Find your Human Development and Family Science future at UCM

The University of Central Missouri is committed to rigorous academics and practical experience to help you become a successful lifelong learner and advocate, no matter your walk of life or the degree program you choose. 

At UCM, you’ll find: 

• Challenging coursework: Our comprehensive curriculum is built on a theoretical framework and contemporary research to prepare you to provide evidence-based, effective services that help others improve their quality of life and meet their goals. 
• Hands-on learning opportunities: Practice what you learn in the classroom through a variety of experiential learning opportunities. As an undergraduate student, you may learn to make toys from all types of materials, conduct community assessments and write to legislators to advocate for family policy. As a graduate student, you’ll provide therapy to clients, learn to complete grant applications and more.
• Expert faculty: At UCM, you’ll learn in classrooms with small class sizes for more one-on-one attention, space for help and guidance and valuable discussions.
• Student groups: When you’re not in class, you’ll find many student groups to help you find community, network and connect with peers at UCM, including the Council of Marriage and Family Therapy, the Society of Child and Family Development, the Council of Human Development and Family Science and others.
• Top-ranked degree programs: At UCM, you’ll find nationally recognized degree programs. Our Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science program, for instance, was named #5 in Child Development Programs by Intelligent.com.

 

What can you do with a degree in one of UCM’s Human Development and Family Science programs?

There is no clear-cut definition of what a family is or must entail, nor is there a single path to an enriched, fulfilled life. That’s why communities across the globe need Human Development and Family Science professionals who understand the changes and challenges today’s diverse people and families face and who have the skills and knowledge to help. 

With a Human Development and Family Science degree from UCM, you’ll join the ranks of our successful alumni. Among our graduates with bachelor’s degrees, 94% of our alumni are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, and 96% of graduate students are employed or continue their education within six months of graduation.

At UCM, our undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Human Development and Family Science can help you prepare for success in any number of exciting and gratifying careers in human services, including:

• Community advocacy and nonprofit work
• Consulting
• Counseling, therapy or mediation
• Public health
• Social services
• Social work
• Speech-language pathology
• Teaching and education