B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Human Development Family Science
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Human Development and Family Science at Queens College is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from human development, family relations, family economics, and resource management. A key highlight of the program is its approval by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) for Family Life Education (CFLE) Certification, meaning the curriculum covers the ten essential family life substance areas required for this professional designation. This prepares graduates for education and service careers, helping families navigate challenges across the lifespan.
Curriculum The HDFS curriculum at Queens College is comprehensive, requiring 120 credits for graduation, including general college requirements and 55 specific credits for the HDFS major. Core courses delve into fundamental topics such as "Child Development and Parenting," "Family Relations," "Problems in Marriage and the Family," "Families in Cross-Cultural Perspectives," "Child and Family Policies," "Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science," and "Theories of Lifespan Development." The program also requires out-of-department courses in statistics (from Psychology or Sociology) and human physiology (Biology), ensuring a well-rounded scientific and social science foundation. The diverse course formats, including lectures, discussions, group work, and research projects, aim to accommodate various learning styles and foster critical thinking, strong communication skills, and research analysis abilities.
Research Focus The Department of Family, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, which houses the HDFS program, engages in research that often touches upon the core tenets of human development and family science. While specific HDFS faculty research projects may vary, the broader departmental research interests include child and family well-being, the impact of poverty on families, cultural diversity, child and family policies, child and adolescent development, and family life education. The program encourages students to develop skills in gathering, interpreting, and assessing research literature to evaluate complex problems and issues within the field. This focus on research ensures that students are well-versed in evidence-based practices and prepared to contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline.
Industry Engagement Queens College places a strong emphasis on preparing its HDFS graduates for professional roles through practical experience and industry connections. The program explicitly states its goal to prepare students for entry-level positions in child, family, and social services and programs. This includes roles in state departments of family and child services, health and human/family services agencies, day care centers, family life education centers, parenting programs, foster care, family service departments of hospitals and clinics, and nursing homes. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships likely supports students in finding relevant internships and job opportunities. Furthermore, the program encourages students to join professional organizations like the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) to network with professionals and access job listings, thereby building a professional network before graduation.
Global Perspective Queens College inherently possesses a robust global perspective, deeply influenced by its location in one of the world's most diverse urban environments. With students from over 130 countries and speaking numerous languages, the campus provides a living classroom for understanding diverse cultural backgrounds and family structures. The HDFS curriculum directly integrates this global outlook through courses like "Families in Cross-Cultural Perspectives" and "Multiculturalism," which explore the role of cultural diversity in the profession. This exposure to varied family forms, societal norms, and developmental pathways across cultures prepares graduates to work effectively with diverse populations, both locally in New York City and in global contexts, making them culturally competent professionals in human services.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is a versatile degree that prepares graduates for a wide array of careers focused on supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. With its approval by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) for Family Life Education (CFLE) Certification, the program provides a strong foundation for professionals dedicated to enhancing well-being in diverse communities.
Family Life Educator (CFLE): Graduates are well-prepared to become Certified Family Life Educators (CFLEs). They design and deliver educational programs on topics such as parenting, healthy relationships, financial literacy, and stress management in various settings, including schools, community centers, and non-profits.
Child Life Specialist: Working in hospitals and healthcare settings, Child Life Specialists help children and their families cope with the stress and trauma of illness, injury, and hospitalization through play, education, and emotional support.
Social and Human Services Assistant/Case Worker: These professionals work in social service agencies, government programs, and non-profits, assisting individuals and families in crisis. They connect clients with resources, provide support, and advocate for their well-being, often dealing with issues like poverty, domestic violence, or housing instability.
Youth Program Coordinator: Graduates can develop, implement, and manage programs for children and adolescents in after-school programs, youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA), and community centers, focusing on positive youth development, leadership, and life skills.
Early Childhood Educator/Child Care Center Director: With a strong understanding of child development, graduates can work as lead teachers or administrators in preschools, daycare centers, or Head Start programs, creating nurturing and stimulating environments for young children.
Gerontology Program Coordinator: As the population ages, there's a growing need for professionals to design and manage programs for older adults in senior centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, focusing on social engagement, health, and well-being.
Victim Advocate: These professionals provide support, information, and advocacy to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal system, access resources, and cope with trauma. Their understanding of family dynamics and crisis intervention is crucial.
Human Resources Specialist: The HDFS focus on human relations, group dynamics, and organizational behavior makes graduates well-suited for HR roles, where they can work on employee relations, training and development, and creating supportive work environments.
Community Health Worker/Educator: Working in public health departments or community organizations, these professionals educate diverse populations on health and wellness topics, promoting healthy behaviors and connecting individuals with health resources, often with a focus on family health.
Parenting Educator/Support Group Facilitator: Graduates can lead workshops and support groups for parents, addressing various parenting challenges, promoting positive discipline techniques, and fostering healthy family communication. This can be in community settings, schools, or private practices.
