Human Development and Family Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Human Development and Family Studies explores the dynamic interplay between individual growth and family environments across the lifespan. This interdisciplinary field examines how biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors shape human behavior and relationships within familial contexts, preparing students to understand and support healthy development at both personal and systemic levels.
- Life Span Development: Investigates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur from infancy through old age, emphasizing critical milestones and developmental transitions.
- Family Systems Theory: Analyzes the interconnectedness of family members, focusing on roles, communication patterns, and the impact of family structure on individual well-being.
- Child and Adolescent Development: Explores developmental processes during early and middle childhood, including identity formation, peer relationships, and educational influences.
- Parenting and Caregiving Practices: Studies effective strategies for nurturing, discipline, and emotional support, with attention to cultural variations and socioeconomic contexts.
- Intergenerational Relationships: Examines the ways in which family dynamics, traditions, and conflicts are transmitted across generations.
- Family Policy and Social Services: Addresses public policies, community programs, and support systems designed to strengthen families and promote resilience.
- Research Methods in Human Development: Develops skills in designing and evaluating studies that assess developmental trends, family functioning, and intervention outcomes.
Human Development and Family Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Human Development and Family Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Human Development and Family Studies degrees, including Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,630 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192 | $77,280 | $47,580 - $133,180 | 2,630 | N/A |
Salary Comparison
Human Development and Family Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,260 in New Jersey to $134,060 in California—a 162% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Louisiana, and Michigan. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,630 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Human Development and Family Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Human Development and Family Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Human Development and Family Studies is found at Brigham Young University (BYU–I), Idaho (1,475 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (279 graduates), California State University (CSUEB), East Bay (236 graduates), Florida State University (FSU) (219 graduates), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (179 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7,964 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
1,475 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
279 | N/A | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Bachelor's
|
236 | N/A | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
219 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
179 |
SAT: 1240-1420 ACT: 27-32 |
Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
173 | N/A | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
170 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
164 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
151 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
147 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
141 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
134 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
123 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
|
115 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
113 | ACT: 19-24 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
110 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
109 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
107 |
SAT: 1190-1340 ACT: 25-31 |
Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
105 |
SAT: 1060-1300 ACT: 20-28 |
Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
101 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
100 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| California State University (CSUSM) |
Bachelor's
|
99 | N/A | San Marcos, California | Public | csusm.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Bachelor's
Post-Master's
|
96 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 29-34 |
Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
95 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
93 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Pacific Oaks College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
89 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Private | pacificoaks.edu |
| Empire State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
89 | N/A | Saratoga Springs, New York | Public | sunyempire.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
89 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 22-27 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Merrimack College |
Bachelor's
|
85 | N/A | North Andover, Massachusetts | Private | merrimack.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
84 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
|
84 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-28 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
|
80 | N/A | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
78 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
77 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
77 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
75 |
SAT: 1120-1320 ACT: 26-31 |
Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
73 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 21-28 |
Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| California State University (CSUMB) |
Bachelor's
|
73 | N/A | Seaside, California | Public | csumb.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
71 | N/A | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
|
69 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Southwestern College (SWC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
68 | N/A | Chula Vista, California | Public | swccd.edu |
| Southern Utah University (SUU) |
Bachelor's
|
65 | N/A | Cedar City, Utah | Public | suu.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
64 |
SAT: 1040-1300 ACT: 19-26 |
Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
63 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
61 |
SAT: 1100-1340 ACT: 18-30 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
60 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Master's
|
57 |
SAT: 1050-1310 ACT: 21-28 |
Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
55 | N/A | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 1050-1220 ACT: 21-28 |
Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
54 |
SAT: 1110-1410 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
|
52 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Bachelor's
|
47 | N/A | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) |
Bachelor's
|
46 |
SAT: 925-1243 ACT: 18-24 |
Natchitoches, Louisiana | Public | nsula.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
44 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 18-23 |
Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 1045-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Ruston, Louisiana | Public | latech.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40 |
SAT: 1260-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
39 |
SAT: 1060-1270 ACT: 23-27 |
Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
38 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Associate's
|
35 | N/A | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 885-1110 ACT: 17-24 |
Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| Texas Woman's University (TWU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
35 | N/A | Denton, Texas | Public | twu.edu |
| Samford University |
Bachelor's
|
34 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 23-29 |
Birmingham, Alabama | Private | samford.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
|
34 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Bachelor's
|
33 |
SAT: 1090-1250 ACT: 23-28 |
Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
31 |
SAT: 1010-1230 ACT: 22-27 |
Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 910-1110 ACT: 16-20 |
Odessa, Texas | Public | utpb.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
30 | ACT: 19-26 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Cuesta College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | N/A | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | cuesta.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
|
28 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Abilene Christian University (ACU) |
Bachelor's
|
28 |
SAT: 1060-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Abilene, Texas | Private | acu.edu |
| University of Louisiana (UL Lafayette) |
Bachelor's
|
26 |
SAT: 1120-1255 ACT: 23-27 |
Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | louisiana.edu |
| Southern Nazarene University (SNU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | N/A | Bethany, Oklahoma | Private | snu.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| University of Vermont (UVM) |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 1250-1420 ACT: 29-32 |
Burlington, Vermont | Public | uvm.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
|
23 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Fielding Graduate University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
21 | N/A | Santa Barbara, California | Private | fielding.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 950-1200 ACT: 20-29 |
Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Anderson University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 |
SAT: 1090-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Anderson, South Carolina | Private | andersonuniversity.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | ACT: 17-24 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| College of the Desert (COD) |
Associate's
|
19 | N/A | Palm Desert, California | Public | collegeofthedesert.edu |
| Sonoma State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | N/A | Rohnert Park, California | Public | sonoma.edu |
| Antioch University |
Bachelor's
|
19 | N/A | Yellow Springs, Ohio | Private | antioch.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 980-1220 ACT: 21-27 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Howard University (HU) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1100-1298 ACT: 22-28 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | howard.edu |
| Lamar University (LU) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 910-1130 ACT: 18-24 |
Beaumont, Texas | Public | lamar.edu |
| Amridge University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
17 | N/A | Montgomery, Alabama | Private | amridgeuniversity.edu |
| Connecticut College (Conn) |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 1340-1470 ACT: 31-33 |
New London, Connecticut | Private | conncoll.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 930-1190 ACT: 17-24 |
Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 23-29 |
Steubenville, Ohio | Private | franciscan.edu |
| Lee University |
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 1020-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
| University of the District of Columbia (UDC) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | N/A | Washington, District of Columbia | Public | udc.edu |
| Concordia University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
16 | N/A | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | csp.edu |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Bachelor's
|
16 | N/A | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | maryville.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (TRU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1400-1540 ACT: 31-34 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
15 |
SAT: 1300-1460 ACT: 28-32 |
Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 19-24 |
Central, South Carolina | Private | swu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Human Development and Family Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Human Development and Family Studies degree?
Salaries for Human Development and Family Studies graduates vary by role and location. Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,280 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $134,060 compared to $51,260 in New Jersey. Approximately 2,630 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Human Development and Family Studies programs?
Currently 171 accredited institutions offer Human Development and Family Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Brigham Young University (BYU–I), Idaho (1,475 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (279 graduates), and California State University (CSUEB), East Bay (236 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Human Development and Family Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 7,272 in 2010 to a peak of 10,075 in 2020, before declining slightly to 8,444 in 2023-24. This represents a 16% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Human Development and Family Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 2,630 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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