What is Human Development & Family Science?

Human development and family science is a dynamic, people-centered field that explores how individuals grow and change throughout life — emotionally, socially, and physically. You’ll study real-life relationships, family systems, and how environments like school, work, and culture shape human development. Through hands-on experiences, close faculty support, and an interdisciplinary approach, you’ll graduate prepared for human development and family science jobs helping others thrive. LSU offers a concentration in Child Life.

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Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Residential College Live and learn with your peers in Cypress Hall, a smaller network within the larger campus. Some classes are available on-site, as well as academic advising, study groups, and professional networking events.
Cutting-Edge Facilities Train with advanced tools in the newly renovated Huey P. Long Fieldhouse, where you'll take classes, perform clinical research, and access facilities to maintain your general wellness.
Elite Accreditation Study in a Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) program, aligned with leading national standards from the National Council on Family Relations.
Engage With Community Join Students Engaged in Education & Service (SEEDS) to volunteer at local schools or non-profits, serve as a mentor, and more to develop a deeper understanding of yourself while building your community.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Childcare Worker
Marriage & Family Counselor
Academic Counselor
Social Worker
Youth Advocate
Community Outreach Advocate

Workplace Settings

Community Education Organizations
Courts & Corrections System
Support Organizations for Children, Youth, Seniors
Human Services Agencies (nonprofit, faith-based, secular)
Government Agencies
Health Clinics/Agencies
Hospitals

Building Skills
Lifespan Development Expertise Explore how people grow and change across the lifespan in real-world settings.
Family Dynamics Analytics Study how family roles and relationships impact personal growth and well-being.
Research & Evaluation Gain research skills to assess programs that support families and communities.
Effective Communication Build strong, effective communication skills for real-world professional settings.
$45,000
Average alumni Human Development & Family Science salary 5 years after graduation
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
Master of Public AdministrationJD Dual Degree ProgramMA Higher Education Administration

Related Majors

Social Work
Psychology
Sociology
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