Human Development and Family Studies

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

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What is Human Development and Family Studies?

This major prepares you to address real-world problems in communities across the globe. Through innovative research and outreach programs, you can improve the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families. You’ll also help faculty in research projects, practicums, and internships.

You can choose between two concentrations:

Child and Adolescent Development
Family Studies

Child and Adolescent Development explores the development of children and adolescents. This includes emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development. You'll learn how biology and society influence the health and well-being of children and youth.

Family Studies teaches you how families and romantic partnerships function, develop, and change in response to the challenges of modern life. You'll learn the latest research and theories on dating, marriage, divorce, diverse families, and resilience.

Career Options

Child, Family, & Community Services
Child Life Specialist
Clinical Psychology
Counseling
Education
Human Resources
Law
Occupational Therapy
Research
Pediatrics
Physical Therapy
Public Health
Social Work

Post-Graduation Success¹

62% employed or continuing education

37% employed after graduation

25% attending graduate school

$46,911 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: WeDignify, Addison Group, Cru, Caravel Autism Group, City Year Chicago, Insight Global, Hummingbird ABA Therapy, Carle Foundation Hospital, Cunningham Children's Home, Lawrence Hall View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University View All

Program Resources

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Experiences related to the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.9 years to degree

93% returned for second year

86% graduated within 4 years

91% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $36,970
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,050

Gender and Women's Studies - LAS

Psychology - LAS

Sociology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.