B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences Frequently Asked Questions

Family and child studies changed to human development and family sciences beginning the fall semester 2017. If you started with a family and child studies major before fall 2017, your degree will be changed to human development and family sciences.

Completion of the program in four years is possible if your general education requirements are completed at the end of your sophomore year and you apply to the department and are accepted during your sophomore year. We recommend checking in with your advisor every semester in order to stay on track.

The competitive nature varies by emphasis and over time. The minimum GPA to be accepted to any of the emphases is a 2.20, and it might be as high as a 2.60.

Yes. The emphases with an internship or practicum are designed to facilitate your employability.

Earning a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences does not certify you to teach.

At least a 2.20 is needed for admission to family relations, prevention and wellness. Since the program is competitive, a GPA as high as 2.60 may be needed.

Family social services includes a pre-professional sequence leading to an internship. Family relations, prevention and wellness is intended for students with prior work experience in the field, or who wish to continue directly to graduate school, particularly with an academic focus.

Family relations, prevention and wellness does not have an internship.

At least a 2.20 is needed for admission to family social services. Although since the program is competitive, a GPA as high as 2.50 may be needed.

The family social services emphasis is not exactly the same as a degree in social work. In most cases, you will be eligible for jobs advertised as requiring the equivalent of a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.).

50 hours prior to enrollment in HDFS 382; 100 hours (total) prior to enrollment in HDFS 431 is required.

You will begin your internship usually the final semester before you graduate.

Held in mid to late September on a Thursday morning, the orientation day is primarily for students who will be finishing their degrees in family social services during the next calendar year. Twelve agencies send representatives who speak to students about jobs and internships. Students receive their application for their internships and information about upcoming required meetings.

At least a 2.20 is needed for admission to child development. Although since the program is competitive, a GPA as high as 2.60 may be needed.

Each area of study provides a focus for certain positions. The coursework helps prepare for certain career paths and different entries into credentialing for early childhood roles. All child development students will gain practical experience working with children in the NIU Child Development and Family Center which is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), also is a Gold Circle center by IL ExceleRate.

This area of study offers academic and practical training for students who are interested in serving infants, toddlers, and their families. Students graduated from this program are able to received Infant Toddler Credential Certificate Level 5 through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).

Child life area of study provides the academic training for students who want to become a child life specialist. Child life specialists are professionals who help infants, children, youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury and treatment. For other additional requirements to become a certified child life specialist, please visit the Association of Child Life Professionals’ website.

Students who are interested to become an administrator of a childcare program will receive training in managing and planning a total inclusive program. Students who take several additional required courses are eligible to receive Illinois Director Credential Certificate-Level 2 through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).

Yes, this is recommended so you will be better prepared for type of position in the field. It will increase your career opportunities.