Training for careers helping people
Photo by Liz Adams May 12, 2017
HDFS: Department has new name, new majors, new programs
The most common refrain uttered by prospective students in the University of Delaware’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is “I want to work with people.”
While the students are eager to work for community organizations, nonprofits and schools, helping the country’s most vulnerable populations, their parents have been known to express concern about relatively low-paying career opportunities.
To reinforce the department’s focus on providing coursework grounded in principles of applied research, as of July 1, the department’s name will change to Human Development and Family Sciences.
In addition, HDFS is introducing a number of new undergraduate and graduate programs to provide students with skills that are both valuable and marketable, leading to increasingly lucrative careers.
New undergraduate programs
Human relations administration: Students in the human relations administration (HR admin) major will complete course work and field placements in preparation for careers in the growing field of human resources in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
This major is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to manage employee relationships, facilitate critical workplace training, enhance staff motivation and ensure compliance of important legal issues including diversity and inclusion.
Human services – Concentration in family and consumer sciences: This program is being revitalized in response to a looming shortage nationwide of family and consumer sciences teachers. Students in family and consumer sciences learn to teach culinary arts, and either early childhood development or fashion and apparel to middle and high school students. They gain valuable field experience through on-campus training at the University’s Laboratory Preschool, Early Learning Center and Vita Nova restaurant, and student teaching for a full semester their senior year.
Study abroad in Tuscany: In the spring of 2018, students interested in learning about education, disability studies and family services from a global perspective can enroll in a semester-long study abroad experience in the city of Volterra, Italy. Students from any UD college or major can fulfill the requirements for a disability studies minor while enjoying the beauty and cultural sights of Italy. Additionally, courses align with majors and minors in the College of Education and Human Development. Classes are taught by UD faculty at the International School for Advanced Education.
• To learn more, come to the information session from 5-6 p.m., Monday, May 15, in Harrington Commons on East Campus.
• Applications will be accepted until Sept. 20.
New graduate programs
Master of arts in early childhood development and programming: This professional master’s degree has been designed to provide individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree related to early childhood to lead or contribute to the administration of programs or centers that care for young children. The M.A. in early childhood development and programming allows students to complete their degree requirements in as little as 12 months, while concurrently earning a certificate in leadership in early childhood and human services. The intensive one-year curriculum includes practical requirements for field-based experiences in local early childhood programs and schools, in addition to campus-based courses focusing on aspects of early childhood development, including literacy, play and curriculum.
Additional areas of focus include programming for young children with special needs, and adult development and learning, which will be highly relevant to graduates’ future positions as staff administrators at early education centers.
• Applications are currently being accepted for the first cohort of students, and coursework will begin in early July.
• For more information about submitting an application, visit the Graduate and Professional Education website.
Interdisciplinary master of arts degree in leadership in disability services: This interdisciplinary degree is designed to provide diverse, talented graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding essential to lead agencies and organizations that provide individualized, person-directed services to people with disabilities and their families.
Nearly one in five Americans is living with some form of a disability, with aging demographics portending a continual increase. There is a significant need for leaders in inclusive organizations to develop the appropriate knowledge base, organizational and administrative skills, and overall understanding of their constituents’ needs.
The M.A in leadership in disability services program, jointly administered by the colleges of Education and Human Development and Health Sciences, aspires to make meaningful community inclusion a reality for people with developmental and acquired disabilities.
• Enrollment deadline is June 1.
• For more information, visit the Graduate and Professional Education website.
To learn more about programs and services provided by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, visit the website or email hdfs-dept@udel.edu.
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