Online Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies CurriculumOnline Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies CurriculumOnline Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies Curriculum

Maryville University’s online human development and family studies curriculum explores the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development of people and families throughout various stages in their lives. Undergraduate-level human development and family studies students not only study various topics, such as how family, community, human sexuality, and interpersonal relationships can affect human development, they are also taught how various external factors, such as friends, community members, and society, play a role in how individuals behave and learn.

Maryville University’s online degree program also offers a Child Life Specialist concentration and four track options: Early Childhood Development, Family Life Education, Youth Development, and Adult Development and Aging.

Maryville University Online BA in Human Development and Family Studies

Maryville’s online bachelor’s in human development and family studies program comprises 128 credit hours, including general education requirements with core coursework and a number of electives that allow you to tailor your degree to your interests. Tailor your degree to your interest and choose from the 30-credit-hour Child Life Specialist concentration or one of four 9-credit-hour tracks in Early Child Development, Youth Development, Family Life Education, or Adult Development and Aging. Our curriculum blends research, theory, and fieldwork to align with standards set by the National Council on Family Relations, Child Development Council, Child and Youth Care Certification Board, and the Association of Child Life Professionals. As you earn your degree, you can build your base of knowledge to prepare for future certification assessments, such as Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) and Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS).

Human Development & Family Studies Core (33 Credit Hours)

  • This course is designed as an introduction to the field of Family and Human Development. Students develop an understanding of individual and family development over the life span. In particular, the course will focus on the developing individual within the context of the family system and the changes that occur in family systems over time. Normative family processes are emphasized.

  • A knowledge of normal growth and development is essential to professional practice in many disciplines. This course explores the process of human development, particularly in Western cultures. A holistic life-span approach is used to promote an understanding of the biophysical, cognitive, affective, social, and spiritual functioning of healthy individuals.

  • This course will provide an overview of current concepts, theories, and substantive issues in family studies from a sociological (and in some ways interdisciplinary) perspective. Attention is given to variation in family form and function across different social/cultural contexts and how family experience is structured by gender, race and religion. Issues of family development (such as marriage, parenting, divorce, remarriage, aging family) and the links between families and societal trends are explored. Cross-listed: SOC 361 Prerequisite: HDFS 101

  • This course will focus on the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for forming effective partnerships with diverse families and community stakeholders. Family systems and their impact on children’s development and learning will be explored. Students will identify and collaborate with local agencies to learn more about resources available in their communities. Students will learn effective communication strategies as well as explore current state and federal initiatives for serving children and families.

  • This course examines the initiation, development, and dissolution of committed relationships with same- or opposite-sex partners within familial, cultural, and societal contexts. Examines trends in marriage, cohabitation, re-marriage, and other alternative relationship forms and the impact to all members of family systems.

  • Prerequisite: SOC-101, SOC-101F, SOC-202H, PSYC-101, PSYC-101F, or PSYC-202H; Minimum grade C- This course surveys the social, biological, and psychological aspects of human sexual behavior. Scientific research related to sexual anatomy, arousal, gender, and life span sexual behavior will be explored. Topics may also include but are not limited to sexual orientation, cultural variations in attraction and love, and sexual morality. Cross-listed: PSYC-330

  • Prerequisite: SOC-101 or CRIM-102; Minimum grade C-. Family Violence across the Lifespan explores the etiology, prevalence, treatment, and prevention of family violence. A broad coverage of viewpoints and theories behind family violence are covered. Cross-listed: CRIM-305

  • Examines influence of economic, demographic and social changes on families in the U.S. and on the opportunities of individual family members. Explores interactions of social class, poverty, race and gender and their effects on family life and on child and adolescent development. Includes critical analysis of health care, employment, immigration, family leave, welfare and other social policy options that affect family life and well-being.

  • This course provides a review of basic research methods and statistics as applied to human development and family studies. Emphasis will be placed on reading professional journal articles and understanding basic statistical methodology for the helping professional. Students learn the basic skills needed for managing and understanding data; analyzing data; and presenting data.

  • This course consists of supervised experiences in established career-related positions at a community agency; focus selected on basis of professional interest (some sites may require a background check).  Students will do weekly work while earning 120 hours of practical experience in the field. NOTE: Internship is required for students seeking Certified Family Life Educator certification. NOTE: Internship should not be taken by students pursuing the Child Life Specialist Concentration. Rather, students in this concentration must take HDFS 494 and HDFS 495. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator

  • Students will have the opportunity to integrate information from a variety of perspectives in human development and family studies and apply to a research project within their areas of interest. Each student will have a focal theme and share with fellow students throughout the course. that will allow students to gain new perspectives, as well as apply knowledge from prior courses and experiences. This course is presented as a capstone experience and Senior Standing is required. Capstone in encourage for Child Life Specialist Concentration students or those considering graduate school.

Child Life Specialist Concentration (30 Credit Hours – less elective options)

Designed for students who wish to work in hospital settings as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Learn to address children’s unique needs and challenges in this optional concentration. Study areas like infant and toddler development, child psychology, developmental play and learning, anatomy and physiology, and counseling skills. You can also prepare to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

**Student’s have the opportunity to choose one: BIOL 108, BIOL 115, BIOL 101, or BIOL 102. 

  • This course fulfills all of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) requirements for the Child Life course. It is taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist, has a focus on children in the healthcare environment, and includes all of the applied areas of study of the Child Life Professional.

  • This course will explore human development from conception through age 3. Students will explore how young children develop physically, cognitively, and socially to gain the ability to reason, speak, and form relationships. Students will also become familiar with theories and research relevant to the study and practices related to infant and child development.

  • This course focuses on the interplay of early childhood brain development and learning. The importance of playful interaction with adults and with the environment is emphasized. Students will discuss the role of play in normative development and therapeutic care in hospital and child care settings and explore how play, accountability, and standards can be fully aligned and complementary to both early learning and therapeutic goals. NOTE: This course meets the Play requirement for Child Life Specialist Concentration students. Prerequisite: HDFS 220

  • The course addresses human suffering and dying. Is suffering destructive or creative, and what transformations make the difference? This course addresses the topic from a multicultural perspective.

  • A Medical Terminology course for health professionals consisting of information regarding the pronunciation, spelling, definitions of medical terms; an in-depth review of Greek-Latin roots/prefixes/suffixes, medical abbreviations, medical chart review; and supplemental studies of documentation which will enhance the application of the acquired medical terminology in clinical settings.

  • This course provides an introduction to core counseling skills that incorporates therapeutic listening and empathy communication techniques, crisis management, etc. related to professional/client relationships across cultures-specifically in health profession settings.

  • The Child Life Field Experience is designed as an introductory experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a child life specialist. Through experiential learning and observation of professionals working with children in clinical or community settings, field experience students begin to increase their knowledge of evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that support and reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for infants, children, youth and families as they cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury and treatment. Students are required to secure their own placements in a community or clinical setting.

  • The Child Life Practicum is designed for students who obtain an official hospital-based Child Life Practicum. Through experiential learning and observation of Certified Child Life Specialists® students will be given increased responsibilities in patient interaction and evidence-based practice. Child life practicum students will enhance their knowledge of the child life profession and investigate the process of applying child life and developmental theory to practice. Students are required to secure their Child Life Practicum placements through an external application process.

  • This course explores child development from birth through late childhood. Topics span biological, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and moral development. The interaction of nature and nurture (genes and environment) is emphasized, including the effects of different social and cultural contexts on children’s development, and implications for parenting decisions and educational practices.

  • This course explores development during adolescence. Topics span biological, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and moral development. The interaction of nature and nurture (genes and environment) is emphasized, including the effects of different social and cultural contexts on adolescent development, and implications for parenting decisions and educational practices.

Early Childhood Development Track (9 Credit Hours)

Designed for students interested in working in child care management, aligned for easy degree completion for those with CDA certification. Study the cognitive, emotional, social, and language development of young children within the context of family and community. Discover how to apply general and early education practices to develop learning programs.

  • This course will explore human development from conception through age 3. Students will explore how young children develop physically, cognitively, and socially to gain the ability to reason, speak, and form relationships. Students will also become familiar with theories and research relevant to the study and practices related to infant and child development.

  • This course focuses on the interplay of early childhood brain development and learning. The importance of playful interaction with adults and with the environment is emphasized. Students will discuss the role of play in normative development and therapeutic care in hospital and child care settings and explore how play, accountability, and standards can be fully aligned and complementary to both early learning and therapeutic goals. NOTE: This course meets the Play requirement for Child Life Specialist Concentration students. Prerequisite: HDFS 220

  • An exploration of guidance strategies for promoting pro-social behaviors with individual and groups of young children. Emphasis on positive guidance principles and techniques, family involvement and cultural influences. The course will also explore national, regional and state standards of care, routes to certification for childcare professionals and supervision of child care staff.

Youth Development Track (9 Credit Hours)

Designed for students interested in working in community youth organizations, after school programs, and youth sports programs. Build the skills to promote positive development in children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds. Prepare to work in non-school settings, such as community centers, nonprofit organizations, after-school programs, and the juvenile justice system.

**Student’s have the opportunity to choose between PSYC 311 and PSYC 314 to complete this track. 

  • This course examines school-age children and teens in the context of modern society. Students will examine topics of stress and anxiety, suicide and drug use, family dynamics, mass shootings and growing up in today’s world. Application to policy changes and advocacy will also be explored. Students will engage in virtual discussion and encouraged to explore peer-reviewed research on the topics. An in-depth topical exploration paper is required.

  • This course examines the fundamentals of youth development and the youth development profession. Through this introduction to the field, students explore the ethical, professional, and historical elements of youth development as it has evolved toward professionalism. National, Regional and State regulations will be examined and students will observe on youth programming in their community.

  • This course explores child development from birth through late childhood. Topics span biological, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and moral development. The interaction of nature and nurture (genes and environment) is emphasized, including the effects of different social and cultural contexts on children’s development, and implications for parenting decisions and educational practices.

  • This course explores development during adolescence. Topics span biological, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and moral development. The interaction of nature and nurture (genes and environment) is emphasized, including the effects of different social and cultural contexts on adolescent development, and implications for parenting decisions and educational practices.

Family Life Education Track (9 Credit Hours)

Designed for students interested in working directly with parents and families at community agencies including adoption/foster care, pregnancy centers, and family resource centers. Champion healthy family development and teach effective communication, parenting, interpersonal, and coping skills to individuals, couples, families, and caregivers. Students will have the opportunity to prepare to become a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) with coursework designed to meet National Council on Family Relations requirements.

  • This course provides an overview of basic family management theory and application from a systems approach. Students will be asked to apply the concepts of family management to real life scenarios and examine the interplay of resources, access to systems of care and goal achievement and management.

  • This course is an examination of parents’ roles on the holistic development of their children. Content emphasizes specific caregiving styles and practices and their effects on the cognitive and social/emotional development and functioning of children at each stage of life. Special attention will be given to diverse family forms, kinship care, adoption and fostering and extended family dynamics.

  • The course offers a philosophical and historical perspective on family life education across the lifespan and the role of a Family Life Educator in prevention and intervention settings. Practice in curriculum development including content, objectives, and teaching strategies for diverse social groups and settings is stressed. Ethical practice and skills for working with diverse populations will be emphasized.

Adult Development and Aging Track (9 Credit Hours)

Designed for students interested in working with community agencies supporting elderly populations including advocacy and policy. Explore the social, emotional, and family-based factors that impact the ways individuals enter adulthood. Gain the knowledge and skills to deliver practical aid and develop care programs for people as they experience midlife and old age.

  • This course provides a multidisciplinary perspective of the biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects of aging. An overview of the issues that significantly impact the older adult, their family and society is presented. The demographics profile of America’s older adult serves as a basis for explaining issues related to physical and mental health changes, role transitions, care and living arrangements for the older adult.

  • Prerequisite: SOC-101, SOC-202H, PSYC-101, PSYC-202H; Minimum grade C-. This course examines the problems and issues relevant to America’s elderly population, focusing on financial concerns, public policy, health and institutionalization. Cross-listed: PSYC-340

  • This course examines the theory and practices relevant to careers working with Aging populations. Particular focus is placed on organizations providing services for the elderly. The economic, political, legal, and social issues that affect these organizations are studied in the context of the effect these issues have on direct care and services. Identification of deficiencies in current programs and the proposing of alternative modes of care for the elderly are explored.

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

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Skills Gained with a BA in Human Development and Family Studies Degree

Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies program is designed to help students gain the skills to critically examine ethical questions in professional practice. Graduates are prepared to work in various settings, such as schools and childcare centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and treatment centers and shelters. To help students in their chosen careers, the typical curriculum consists of courses that provide students with in-depth knowledge and key skills, such as:

  • Communication. Effective communication involves more than choosing the right words. Students are taught the basics of verbal and nonverbal communication; active listening skills; and how body language, such as eye contact and hand gestures, can help them communicate more effectively.
  • Interpersonal Relationships. Interpersonal relationships often set the tone for the family dynamic. Students are taught how the initiation, development and end of committed relationships, with opposite or same-sex partners, impact all members of a family unit.
  • Critical thinking. Critical thinking skills are important in understanding the logical connections and links between ideas. Students are taught how to observe, analyze, interpret, and reflect upon data so they can solve problems systematically.

Common Courses for BA in Human Development and Family Studies Students

Although course titles vary from one university to another, the following Maryville University courses reflect the core of any human development and family studies curriculum:

  • Human Development Through the Lifespan. This course focuses on human development through an approach that considers the lifespan holistically. It features an in-depth exploration of the various aspects of healthy individuals.
  • Culture, Diversity, and the 21st Century. An overview of family studies across sociocultural contexts such as gender, race, and religion. This course also explores issues relating to marriage, parenting, divorce, remarriage, aging families, and other family development challenges.
  • Human Sexuality. This course features a broad look at the social, cultural, biological, and psychological aspects of human sexual behavior, with a focus on scientific research across the sexual spectrum.
  • Sociology of the Family. A sociological study of how families function and their importance in society, with an emphasis on cultural differences, parenting roles, and relationship differences. Typically, this course will examine familial hierarchies and the relationships between different family members across cultures.
  • Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences. In this course, you can explore how critical thinking and ethics are essential to the social sciences — while creating a foundation in both theory and science.

Program Options for BA Human Development and Family Studies Students

Maryville University’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies offers students four tracks to choose from — Early Childhood Development, Youth Development, Family Life Education, and Adult Development and Aging. This allows students to tailor their degree to their interests. They can also select the Child Life Specialist concentration, which teaches them to address children’s unique challenges and needs. Here’s a look at each track:

  • Child Life Specialist. This concentration is intended for students who wish to work as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in a hospital setting. It focuses on preparing students for certification through expertise in topics like counseling skills, anatomy and physiology, toddler development, child psychology, and developmental play and learning.
  • Early Child Development. This track is for students interested in working in childcare management by focusing on issues and topics relating to early childhood development. Students who have earned Child Development Associate (CDA) certification can complete this track in an expedited manner.
  • Youth Development. This track is designed for students who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents. The concentration can prepare students to pursue careers in childhood developmental programs and institutions like after-school programs, youth sports, community youth organizations, nonprofit organizations, community centers, and the juvenile justice system.
  • Family Life Education. This track is designed for students interested in working with family dynamics and development. With this concentration, you can prepare to work with families to create or reinforce a healthy family life that includes effective communication, coping skills, parenting skills, and healthy relationships. Family Life Education students also have the opportunity to prepare to become National Council on Family Relations-certified family life educators (CFLEs).
  • Adult Development and Aging. Students who choose this track will have the opportunity to learn how to assist an aging and elderly population. As the baby boomer generation ages into midlife and old age, demand may increase for qualified professionals to help address their unique needs and wants through practical aid, advocacy, care programs, and policy.

Your Path Toward a Career in Human Development and Family Studies Begins at Maryville

Earning a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies not only prepares you to work with children, youth, families, and adults in various settings, but also positions you to pursue an advanced degree, which can help you seek further career opportunities. Contact Maryville University today to get more information about our online Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies program. Bring us your ambition and we’ll guide you toward an educational experience designed to change your life.

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