Human Development and Family Science

Your Future In Human Development and Family Science

Do you enjoy working with children? Do you want to enhance the quality of life and education for children, youth, adults and families? Then you should pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science at the University of North Texas.

Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to work in a variety of community and educational settings. Other career areas include:

• Early childhood intervention
• Parent education
• Social services
• Faith-based organizations
• Advocacy and public policy
• Healthcare and family wellness
• Family law

What we offer

The Department of Educational Psychology administers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on enhancing the well-being of individuals and families through research, instruction and outreach.

We offer concentrations in Lifespan Development and Family and Community. With a concentration in Family and Community, you can choose to specialize in Family Life Education or Intervention and Administration. Our faculty members will help you choose a specialization depending on your career aspirations and interests.

You can also become a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations.

Our faculty members are recognized experts in their fields and have researched topics such as bullying, parent involvement in school and childcare. Many have also been honored by organizations such as the National Council on Family Relations for their contributions.

Several scholarships are available to help you pursue your education. Information about these scholarships is available at: our website.

By attending the various conferences and workshops held on campus each year, you can learn about the latest field research and theoretical perspectives. The Leaders in Family Education (LIFE) student organization provides professional development opportunities, options to attend seminars and conferences and chances to participate in community service projects.

Our program provides practical experience and observation opportunities through the Child Development Laboratory and the Kristin Farmer Autism Center. This allows you to become part of a professional atmosphere and network with potential career contacts while you fulfill your field experience requirements.

The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 500; Washington, D.C. 20036; telephone 202-466-7496). This distinction means the college meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in education. The college is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals in Texas.

What to expect

You'll learn about human development, assessment and observation and professional development in your first semester at UNT. These courses are part of 15 credit hours of required educational psychology core courses. As you progress through the degree program, you'll take additional required courses in a concentration area.

The credit hours for each concentration range from 27 to 40, and include a three-hour unpaid practicum.

Our Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting handson experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

For detailed information on recognized high school graduation programs and SAT/ACT requirements, visit our admissions website.

In your senior year, apply for admission at ApplyTexas.org by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Do you live out of state? For your convenience, you can apply through The Common Application.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor or advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. Each year, 4,000 students transfer to UNT.