Guide To Majors
A Career Planning Tool
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Related information:
| Description of Major | Department Contacts | Change of Major Process | Graduate Study | Career Resources |
| Skills Developed | Entry-level Opportunities | Getting Experience | VT CareerLink | Post-Graduation Report |
Human Development: Description of Major
The human services major, offered within the Department of Human Development, addresses individual development and family relations across the life course. Students gain understanding of human services systems and organizations, apply theory and research to improving the lives of people from diverse backgrounds, and learn to develop and evaluate community programs. They may focus on children, adolescents, adults, older persons, or families while developing problem-solving skills.
Program Areas / Concentrations / Options:
Human Services
The Human Services Option is for students interested in a wide variety of careers and graduate school programs. The option provides undergraduate majors with a theoretical and experiential grounding in child and adult development and in family and relational dynamics.
Coursework includes emphasis on how individuals and families develop over the life cycle, on the critical issues and events that influence families, and on family transitions. The curriculum also focuses on family diversity, human sexuality, and on social and public policies that affect individuals and their families. Throughout their coursework and placement experiences, Human Services Majors learn strategies for improving the quality of family life.