Families don’t come with instructions. That’s where Family Scientists come in.

Family Scientists understand and apply research-based knowledge about healthy families, so that all families can be empowered to thrive.

As a Family Scientist, you can put your passion and interest in families to work in many careers.

If you’re excited about:

Helping people: Family Science is a foundation for numerous professional practice careers, where you can work directly with individuals and families to empower them to be their best.

Creating systemic change: A career in policy might be for you, whether at a government agency or policy institute, to work on implementing research-based policies to serve all families.

Teaching what you know: Prepare the next generation of Family Science scholars and professionals through education, as a faculty member or teacher in higher education or secondary education.

Discovering new insights: Consider a career in research — like at a university, research center, or nonprofit organization — to learn and understand more about families and family relationships.

Get Started: Study Family Science

Earning a degree in Family Science or HDFS (Human Development and Family Science) is a great way to start on the path to becoming a Family Scientist.

Hundreds of colleges and universities offer degrees in Family Science and HDFS, where you can learn what you’ll need for a fulfilling and impactful career.

Find more below about what you’ll study, skills you’ll gain, specific careers in Family Science, and more!

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What Will I study as a
Family Science Major?

Thinking about studying Family Science or HDFS? At the undergraduate level, in addition to an “Introduction to Families” course, you’ll often find these topics included in your education:

Family Relations, Interactions, & Dynamics

·Family Relationships
·Intimate Relationships & Marriage
·Parenting
·Parent–Child Relationships
·Family Stress & Resilience

Families in Society

·Families & Community
·Family Diversity
·Family Law & Public Policy
·Family & Human Services
·Global or International Families
·Family Health

Development in Families

·Early Childhood
·Child Life
·Child & Adolescent Development
·Lifespan Human Development
·Aging
·Human Sexuality

Research & Theory

·Family Theory
·Research Methods

Professional Skills

·Professional Development & Ethics
·Internship, Practicum, or Field Experience

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How Can a
family science degree
fit My specific Interests?

Find your niche. Different undergraduate programs in Family Science and HDFS might also offer additional courses on more specific family topics, such as:

Families With Diverse Backgrounds

·American Indian, Native American, & Indigenous Families
·Asian American & Pacific Islander Families
·Black Families in America
·Families & Developmental Disabilities
·Families & Poverty
·Latinx Families
·LGBTQ Families
·Military & Veteran Families
·Religion & Families
·Rural Families & Communities

Family Relations, Interactions, & Dynamics

·Divorce & Remarriage
·Family Communication
·Family Mediation & Negotiation
·Family Violence
·Sibling Relationships
·Addiction & Family
·Bereavement, Grief, & Loss

Family Member Roles & Experiences

·Family Caregiving to Elders
·Fatherhood
·Women’s Experiences of Family Life

Families in Society

·Children & Media
·Children, Families, & Technology
·Family, School, & Community
·Historical Context of Families
·Work & Family

Career Introductions

·Child & Family Home Visiting
·Intro to Family Ministry
·Intro to Marriage & Family Therapy
·Parenting Education

Professional Skills

·Career Planning & Development
·Grant Writing
·Program Design & Evaluation

What Skills Will I Gain
by studying Family Science?

Family Science graduates are uniquely positioned to:

examine relationships, interactions, and dynamics within families and among family members,
apply deep knowledge of what healthy, well-functioning families look like,
translate and use research findings to inform work with all types of diverse, evolving families
prevent problems within families before they occur
help families identify and build on their existing strengths
empower families to enrich their own well-being, creating a positive societal impact

And there are even more key skills you’ll attain:

critical thinking & analysis
collaborative teamwork & leadership
ethical thinking & decision-making

interpersonal communication
problem-solving
program-related skills: design, development, implementation, evaluation, grant-writing

What Careers Can I pursue
with a family science degree?

A degree in Family Science or HDFS is a great foundation for so many careers. Family Scientists make valuable contributions in numerous sectors and settings: