University of Wisconsin - Stout

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How is a B.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies different from a B.S. degree in Social Work?

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is oriented toward learning about human development and family life without an explicit career orientation. Students in the HDFS program use our open concentration option to focus specifically on their particular individual career interests. Some HDFS students are interested in social work as a career. Those students can take three social work classes and possibly do their practicum at a human service agency. In Wisconsin, HDFS graduates can apply for a social worker in training certificate. This would require taking an additional social work class and then taking a national examination in social work.

In general, HDFS students learn more about children, teenagers, adults and families with less emphasis on the social work system. Social work programs have more emphasis on the social work system and less emphasis on individuals and families.

 

What can I do with an Human Development and Family Studies degree?

HDFS graduates find employment in a wide variety of jobs. Entry level jobs right after graduation include: youth counselor, juvenile delinquency counselor, child development specialist, program coordinator, head start teacher, child life specialist, half way house counselor, nanny, day care provider, human resources coordinator and group home counselor. Approximately 20 percent of HDFS graduates continue their education in a graduate program. The most common choices include guidance and counseling, and marriage and family therapy -- both available here at UW-Stout.

However, the HDFS program prepares students for a wide variety of choices.

 

For answers to questions not addressed here, contact the program director at the address, telephone, or e-mail address listed on the home page.