Career Development & Opportunities
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
A degree in Human Development, due to the vast and interdisciplinary nature of the human services realm, provides students with an exciting range of flexibility. Professional development can be tailored to an individual's personal interests, strengths, and long term career goals.
GENERAL SRATEGIES FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT:
- Obtain part-time, summer, internship, or volunteer experience in areas of interest.
- Obtain certification for specialized areas of interest.
- A Bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level positions.
- Advanced degrees are essential for clinical and therapeutic counseling positions.
- A Master's degree or Ph.D. is often necessary for administrative and supervisory positions.
- A Ph.D. is required for college teaching and advanced research positions.
- Additional specialized training qualifies individuals for higher paying positions and positions of greater responsibility.
BACHELOR'S LEVEL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A degree in Human Development, due to the vast and interdisciplinary nature of the human services profession, provides students with an exciting range of flexibility. Career opportunities can be tailored to an individual's personal interests, strengths, and long term career goals.
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT TRACK:
- Family and child welfare
- Child care programs
- Child protective services
- After school programs
- Domestic court liaison
- Adoption services
- Juvenile justice system
- Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
FAMILY GERONTOLOGY TRACK:
- Community, human service, and religious organizations
- Health care settings and long-term care institutions
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Retirement communities
- Information and referral services for older adults and their families
- Professional organizations
- Corporate settings, human resources departments, retirement planning programs
- Leisure industry
- Life-long learning programs
- Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
PROFESSIONAL HELPING SKILLS TRACK:
- Caseworker
- Drug/Alcohol counseling
- Health and wellness programs
- Recreation programs
- Respite services
- Crisis care and referral
- Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
- Human resources
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