This graduate program in human development and family studies is designed to train professionals to work with individuals and families in diverse human service settings. Graduates of this program will be familiar with the skills necessary to develop and assess intervention programs that are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals and families.

In the human development and family studies field, practical experience in a position is important. Thus, we strongly urge both our undergraduate and graduates students to obtain practical work experience as they complete their academic studies here at CMU. During students' educational pursuits it is also important that they begin to crystallize their interests in working with diverse populations. Practical work experiences during graduate work will help students clarify their interests, abilities and tolerance levels for working with specific populations.

Graduates of a human development and family studies program will find that they are well prepared for many positions in the human and social services field. This program is not designed to train professional marriage and family therapists or counselors. Positions include but are not limited to the following: case management, community outreach, community social services, cooperative extensions service, crisis or hot-line services, child and eldercare programs, domestic shelters, family life education, probation and parole services, residential care, school/family liaison, support or self help groups, and youth services.

For more information about careers in HDFS see chapter 21 of the book:
Day, R. D., Gilbert, K. R., Settles, B H., & Burr, W. R. (1995). Research and Theory in Family Science, Brooks Cole Publishing: Pacific Grove, Ca.