College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Human Development and Family Studies

Program Overview

In the Human Development and Family Studies program, you explore how people grow and how relationships form them throughout their lives. If you want to have a large impact on the world, this degree is for you. It’ll lead to a rewarding career of strengthening families and nurturing people. You’ll take courses like Culture and Childhood, Family Dynamics, Family Law and Public Policy, and Human Sexuality. Graduates of the program can pursue careers in social work, pastoral counseling, special education, early childhood education, family life education, human services, and pediatric services in hospitals.

Admission Resources

program at a glance icon (2)

Program at a
Glance

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

122

DETAILS

Total Credit Hours: 122
Program Type: Bachelor’s
Format: Seated (Main Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years (8 semesters)
Start Date: Fall: August | Spring: January
why au students looking at computer

Why AU?

The world has a dire need for ethical communicators, and an Anderson University degree gives you an opportunity to create an impact for Christ in the workplace. Media ethics and professional values based on Christian principles play a central role in the courses offered, as well as in other activities such as internships, field trips, and appearances by guest speakers.
knowledge 2

Career Outlook

The breadth of education you gain in the Human Development and Family Studies program prepares you for a future in a variety of fields, including advocacy, law, eldercare, childcare, social work, and counseling. Many of our graduates become child life specialists, providing emotional support and education for children and their families who are navigating the healthcare system for treatment for diseases, like cancer.

Starting Salaries

Child Life Specialist: $60,380 Healthcare Social Worker: $60,280 Social Worker: $50,390 Counselor: $43,390 Social and Human Service Assistant: $37,610 Recent national median salaries source: Bureau of Labor

 

knowledge 2

Career Outlook

The breadth of education you gain in the Human Development and Family Studies program prepares you for a future in a variety of fields, including advocacy, law, eldercare, childcare, social work, and counseling. Many of our graduates become child life specialists, providing emotional support and education for children and their families who are navigating the healthcare system for treatment for diseases, like cancer.

Starting Salaries

Child Life Specialist: $60,380 Healthcare Social Worker: $60,280 Social Worker: $50,390 Counselor: $43,390 Social and Human Service Assistant: $37,610 Recent national median salaries source: Bureau of Labor

 

Admission Requirements

: :

Previous Degree Required

No previous degree is required to enroll in this program.

: :

Transcript Requirements

Official high school or GED transcripts will need to be submitted as part of the application process for this program. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from their previous school.

: :

Additional Admission Requirements

Two essays (prompts) or official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores are required during the application process.

: :

Application Deadline

Anderson University has a rolling admission process (students are notified when the are accepted whenever that is during the year) but students are encouraged to apply by the following dates: December 1st for the best scholarship consideration and no later than July 1st to begin in the fall semester.

More Information

I-20 Approved: Yes
I-17 Approved: No
Non Degree Option Available (Minor): Human Development and Family Studies
Program Director:
Patty Slaughter
Breakdown of Credit Hours:
41 Credit Hours – University Core Requirements | 39 Credit Hours – Human Development and Family Studies Major Core Requirements | 6 Credit Hours – Human Development and Family Studies Major Electives | 3 Credit Hours – Cognate Course Requirements | 33 Credit Hours – General Electives
aunetwork 2

Alumni Spotlight

Visit the AU NETWORK and meet more alumni in their Journey of Significance.

Adam Gibbs
CCS
As Media and Communications Director at Concord Baptist Church, Anderson University graduate Adam Gibbs manages the technology that supports Christian ministry.
Adam Gibbs
'20
College of Christian Studies
Lawyer Maris
CAS
For this AU graduate , an English Degree proved to be versatile.
Maris Lawyer
'17
College of Arts and Sciences
Nick Bethea
CCS
Nick Bethea discovered a theology program with a solid biblical foundation that has helped equip him as he serves at Cross Church, a growing congregation in Northwest Arkansas.
Nick Bethea
'15
College of Christian Studies
Jared Back
COB
Business graduate Jared Back learned lots of valuable lessons about both business and people skills from Anderson University.
Jared Back
'21
College of Business
Caroline Hopper
SCSA
For Graphic Design Graduate Caroline Hopper, what began as an internship morphed into a rewarding career with The Walt Disney Company.
Caroline Hopper
'17
South Carolina School of the Arts
Andy OBrien
COB
Since graduating from the Anderson University College of Business, Andy O’Brien has practiced accounting in several different types of settings, from small firm to manufacturer.
Andy O’Brien
'10
College of Business
Gary and Apryl Bailey
COB
Gary and Apryl Bailey, graduates of the Anderson University College of Business, purchased a dilapidated building and transformed it into an award-winning downtown destination.
Gary and Apryl Bailey
'00, '01
College of Business
Courtney Wright
CAS, COB
After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Anderson University, Courtney Wright joined the staff of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
Courtney Wright
'10,'16
College of Business
McCarver Morgan
SCSA
Morgan McCarver is a multi-award-winning ceramic artist based in Asheville, North Carolina.
Morgan McCarver
'19
South Carolina School of the Arts
Tracy Grate
SPSA
To be effective as a school resource officer (SRO), it helps to have a big heart and a servant’s attitude.
Tracy Grate
'21
School of Public Service and Administration
Jenny Clark
COE
Jenny Clark had a good job at an Upstate company, but after more than 20 years, she decided to follow her heart and pursue her dream of teaching.
Jenny Clark
'23
College of Education
Michael Zequeira
COB
Though Michael Zequeira has been rising through the ranks in the U.S. Army, he’s never forgotten lifelong lessons learned as a student in the Anderson University College of Business.
Michael Zequeira
'11
College of Business
apple

Anderson University is a national leader in higher education in its use of technology to support and enhance all aspects of its core function—teaching and learning, which has led to the institution being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2014. Through Anderson’s Digital Learning Initiative, Anderson has provided all of its residential undergraduate students and select graduate program students with an iPad Air and Apple Pencil. The mission of transforming learning experiences and preparing students to serve their communities and careers in the twenty-first century is enhanced through mobile devices developed by Apple.

Request more info

Loading...