Human Development & Family Science

Faculty

Celeste H. Hill, Chair, Professor
Kristie B. Chandler, Professor
Jonathan C. Davis, Professor
Clara E. Gerhardt, Orlean Beeson Distinguished Professor
Kayla L. Wenth, Assistant Professor

Mission Statement

Enriching the lives of families through education, service and advocacy.

Accreditation

Since 1999 the human development and family science curriculum has met the requirements for the Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation awarded by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR; www.ncfr.org).

Undergraduate Programs and Requirements

Major
Human Development and Family Science Major (BA) *
Human Development and Family Science Major w/a Conc in Child Development Education (BA)
Human Development and Family Science Major w/a Conc in Child Life (BA)
Human Development and Family Science Major w/a Conc in Gerontology (BA)

Minor
Human Development and Family Science Minor

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Programs
Fast-Track Juris Doctor (aka 3+3 Law Program) (BA/JD)
Fast-Track Master of Divinity (BA/MDiv)
Fast-Track Master of Public Health (BA/MPH)
Fast-Track Master of Social Work (BA/MSW) *
Fifth-Year Master of Business (BA/MBA)
Online Versions: Fast-Track Master of Social Work (4-Year) and Fast-Track Master of Social Work (Degree-Completer)
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*Online version of this program offered through Continuing Studies/Samford Online only.
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The Department of Human Development and Family Science offers a bachelor of arts (BA) degree in human development and family science, with three concentration options: child development education, child life specialist, and gerontology. The department also offers a minor in human development and family science.

The department also offers the following accelerated bachelor-to-graduate pathway programs: the fast-track juris doctor (JD) (aka 3+3 law program), in cooperation with Cumberland School of Law; the fifth-year master of business administration (MBA), in cooperation with the Brock School of Business; the fast-track master of divinity (MDiv), in cooperation with Beeson School of Divinity; the fast-track master of public health (MPH), in cooperation with the Department of Public Health; and the fast-track master of social work (MSW), in cooperation with the Department of Social Work. See below for more information.
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NOTE: During their first semester as a department major or minor, students must obtain and submit an ABI and FBI fingerprint and background check.

Human Development and Family Science

Human development and family science (HDFS) is an interdisciplinary field that applies knowledge and research about individuals and families in a changing world. This discipline explores an individual’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual development from birth through adulthood and examines how these developmental processes influence and are influenced by family systems. A core emphasis is placed on understanding families as dynamic, interdependent systems that adapt and respond to internal and external influences over time.

Students gain the knowledge and service-learning experience needed to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs and services designed to strengthen family functioning within broader societal contexts. Courses integrate research and theory to provide a foundation in the ten content areas required for certification as a family life educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The content areas include families and individuals in societal contexts, internal dynamics of families, human growth and development across the lifespan, human sexuality, interpersonal relationships, family resource management, parent education and guidance, family law and public policy, professional ethics and practice, and family life education methodology.

Child Development Education Concentration

This concentration focuses on the development and education of young children from infancy through preschool. Students in this concentration receive education and experience which prepares them for work in early childhood settings as a preschool teacher and/or administrator. Special emphasis is given to the importance of family involvement during this most crucial time of development.

Child Life Concentration

This concentration may interest students who desire to work in a medical setting to provide emotional support and coping strategies for children and their families facing short and long-term hospitalization and other health care related issues. Upon completion of this concentration, students must submit their coursework for review to the Child Life Council, as well as pass a certification exam to become a Certified Child Life Specialist. Extensive clinical hours, including a 600-hour internship experience, is also required by the Child Life Council. Completion of the coursework does not guarantee certification. For more information regarding certification, please visit www.childlife.org.

Gerontology Concentration

Due to rapidly expanding demand, this concentration prepares students to provide services and research for those in the later stages of the lifespan. Special emphasis is placed upon how aging affects the individual as well as the family system. Caregiving is an important service that families provide for their loved ones as well to the larger society. Professionals with a gerontology background can help individuals and their families through the successful transition required during this stage of life.

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Programs**

Fast-Track Master of Divinity

The accelerated bachelor of arts (BA) to master of divinity (MDiv) program of study allows select students to complete requirements for both degrees in a minimum of six years of study rather than the typical minimum of seven years of study. Acceptance to the program is limited to students who demonstrate the maturity and discipline to advance their course of study and their preparation for vocational ministry leadership.

Students interested in the accelerated BA to MDiv program should seek guidance from their advisor as early as possible in their undergraduate studies. The undergraduate program of study must include specific courses. Students may apply for admission upon completion of 48 credit hours of undergraduate studies. Applicants are evaluated on their academic performance, spiritual maturity, and vocational clarity. Admission to the accelerated program is limited.

Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours of undergraduate coursework before beginning their graduate theological studies. Upon completion of the initial 32 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, a student is awarded the bachelor of arts degree. The master of divinity degree is awarded upon completion of the 55 credit hours of additional graduate theological courses.

Students admitted to the accelerated BA to MDiv program must participate in a co-curricular program of spiritual and vocational mentoring.

Fast-Track Master of Public Health

Combining the BA in HDFS with a master in public health (MPH) offers a robust foundation for careers in public health, healthcare administration, community outreach, and policy advocacy. The MPH program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to improve health outcomes and promote well-being across diverse populations. The interprofessional approach of the MPH emphasizes health equity and community engagement, preparing graduates to address complex public health challenges and promote policies that reflect God’s love for all people. As the demand for public health professionals continues to grow, this program offers an exceptional opportunity for students seeking to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

Fast-Track Master of Social Work

This accelerated pathway-the BA in HDFS plus the master of social work (MSW) equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for advanced clinical social work practice, preparing them to engage directly with individuals, families, and small groups. Students will gain expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies, enabling them to support diverse populations facing various challenges. In addition to core clinical training, interprofessional elective courses offer valuable exposure to specialized areas of social work such as community practice, social engagement, addiction services, and disaster response.

Fast-Track Master of Social Work (BA/MSW)

Online Versions: Fast-Track Master of Social Work (4-Year) and Fast-Track Master of Social Work (Degree-Completer)

Fast-Track Juris Doctor (aka 3+3 Law and Family Science Program)

For students interested in family law, policy, or advocacy, the fast-track juris doctor (JD) program (aka 3 + 3 law program) combined with a BA in HDFS is ideal for students interested in adoption, divorce, foster care, intimate partner violence and other areas impacting the well-being of children and families.

Samford University and the Cumberland School of Law have created an accelerated law degree program which permits a Samford student who has completed three-fourths of the work acceptable for a bachelor’s degree to be admitted to the law school. After successful completion of the first year of classes at Cumberland, the student will be awarded a bachelor’s degree in his/her undergraduate major. This program is available to Samford students from several undergraduate majors. However, the HDFS degree works particularly well for those interested in family law and policy issues. This program requires acceptance into Cumberland Law School following the normal application process, and careful advisement and documentation in order to ensure the completion of the bachelor’s degree. Please consult your academic advisor for additional details regarding this program.

Fifth-Year Master of Business Administration

This option allows students majoring in HDFS to complete a master of business administration (MBA) in just one additional year at Samford. By adding a minor in general business while earning their BA in HDFS, students will meet all prerequisites for the MBA. Students will complete their bachelor’s degree prior to starting the MBA program.

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**At this time, not all of these fast-track tables are represented in the catalog. See the department for program requirements.

Career Options

Many HDFS majors are attracted to job opportunities available through non-profit and not-for-profit organizations. The program is designed to prepare students for professional careers in the helping professions, in human service agencies, the non-profit and not-for-profit sectors, or for graduate school and research. Career options include counseling, marriage and family therapy, family life education, parenting education, helping professions, elder care services, family and social services, child development, youth ministry, family policy, community advocacy, and education.

Human development and family science is a solid foundation for a career in many professions. For some helping professions, a master’s degree or higher may be required to practice and be employed at a competitive level.

Programs

Major

Minor

Human Development and Family Science Minor

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Program

Fast-Track Master of Social Work w/BA in Human Development & Family Science (BA/MSW)

Courses

Human Development & Family Science