The Program

The Discipline

The marriage, family, and human development (MFHD) program centers on theories, research, and practices related to optimal human development within the context of family life. It provides a life-course perspective by which human development and family behavior can be understood and improved. Provided with critical and current information about the family and human development disciplines, students learn how children, youth, adults, and families develop, change, and face challenges throughout the life course (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood). The teaching strategy of the Department of Marriage, Family, and Human Development reflects a strong commitment to better critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students become involved in mentored-learning research and outreach experiences.

Career Opportunities

A bachelor's degree in MFHD is a broad, liberal arts degree designed to assist students as they seek professional activity (as volunteers or for pay) in settings where knowledge of human behavior, interpersonal interaction, and family well-being is valued. A bachelor's degree in MFHD prepares graduates to make significant contributions locally (e.g., working in church and local community) or professionally (e.g., working in the community services profession as a volunteer or paid professional for worldwide human service-based organizations).

Some MFHD graduates are employed in community action centers such as Head Start family services, domestic violence programs, family support centers, child care centers, residential treatment centers, programs for the elderly, juvenile correction programs, and youth programs. Still other students prepare for volunteer-based community intervention (e.g., Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association).

Additionally, MFHD is an excellent undergraduate preparation for those pursuing graduate school in marriage and family, marriage and family therapy, and human development research. Others seek advanced degrees in school counseling, clinical gerontology, or clinical psychology.

Some students receive a provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential along with a BS degree. Accredited by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), the CFLE prepares students for teaching in community setting but not in public, state-run schools and may be an additional proof of specialization in the family field.

For students who are interested in teaching opportunities in public schools, a major in early childhood education is available through the Teacher Education Department in the David O. McKay School of Education. This certification qualifies individuals to teach kindergarten through third grade in public and private schools. The MFHD program provides foundation courses for those preparing to enter early childhood education programs (see Teacher Education Department for a list of these courses).

In addition, an early childhood emphasis is offered in marriage, family, and human development for students preparing for family life and/or vocations that do not require certification.