Development and Family Studies

Career potential

The development and family studies curriculum includes course work and training that will prepare you for a career in a community, state or federal social service agency as well as educational settings.

Your career may be in parent and family education, or you may work in a group home or women's shelter. You may become a child advocate or work in child care or Head Start teaching and administration. You could work in before- and after-school programs, in medical settings, or in education settings at a zoo, museum or park.

UNT's Career Center can prepare you to pursue your career. The center has information about jobs and employers, and the staff can help you with resume and letter writing, job search strategies and interview preparation.

Majoring in development and family studies

The development and family studies program will prepare you through study, research and practical experiences to enhance the quality of life and education for children, youth, adults and families.

You can seek a bachelor of science degree with a major in development and family studies with an emphasis in:

• human development and research
• family and community
• intervention and administration

You can also seek a bachelor of science degree with a major in development and family studies with teacher certification in human development and family studies or family and consumer sciences.

Professional affiliations

As a student, you will be encouraged to join student and professional organizations. Several conferences and workshops are held on campus each year. UNT also is home to several research and service centers related to the field.

• Child Development Laboratory
• The Child and Family Resource Clinic
• Maturational Assessment Clinic
• Center for Parent Education and Family Support
• Center for Play Therapy

After completing required courses, you may file a short application to be approved as a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations academic program review process. You may also complete required courses that could lead to credentials as an Early Intervention Specialist Professional with the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention.

Scholarships and cooperative education

The development and family studies program and the College of Education offer several scholarships. For more information, visit www.coe.unt.edu/scholarship.

Students may also be eligible for part-time jobs through UNT's office of Cooperative Education and Internships, providing opportunities to earn money and gain valuable work experience.

Getting hands-on experience

Practical experience and observation in a variety of settings are required in many program courses. You also will be required to participate in field experiences focused on your area of interest. This will allow you to become part of a professional atmosphere and obtain career contacts.

Preparing for UNT

If you are a high school student, we suggest you prepare for college by becoming computer proficient and taking:

• English … 4 years
• Math … 4 years
• Social science – economics, geography, government, history … 4 years
• Science … 3 years
• Foreign language … 3 years
• Fine arts … 1 year

You will need to take courses in most of these subjects under the university core curriculum required of all undergraduates, in addition to your major courses. Talk with your high school counselor about preparing for college, including the entrance exams (SAT Reasoning Test or ACT) that you should take during your junior year.

Effective writing and speech communication skills are essential.

As a benefit for transfer students, UNT participates in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult the UNT Transfer Guide, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

You may declare a major in development and family studies, complete a degree plan and enroll in the program's courses your first semester at UNT.

Charting your path with academic advising

Development and family studies faculty members can offer you advice about your career options. Set up an appointment by calling 940-565-2093.

Our college advisors will help you select courses necessary to earn your degree each semester. Advising is available at any time during the semester. Schedule an appointment in Matthews Hall, Room 105, or call 940-565-2736.

Curious about courses and other features of this major?
See the current catalog.