Learning Outcomes: Human Development & Family Studies, BS

Learning outcomes for the Bachelor of Science Major in Human Development & Family Studies

  1. HDFS students will demonstrate a strong foundation in theories and empirical knowledge associated with human development and family studies (i.e., developmental periods and domains; socialization contexts; diversity among families and children; research methods; family dynamics, transitions, and resilience; and family policy)
    1. Recall key terminology (theoretical, empirical, methodological, substantive concepts)
    2. Describe current and historical challenges affecting individuals and families (e.g., social, political, economic, cultural, ethical, including research ethics)
    3. Summarize key theories, models, and principles (e.g., grand, disciplinary, substantive, methodological)
    4. Apply theories, models, and principles to developmental, relationship, familial, and social issues
    5. Apply knowledge to global contexts
    6. Integrate knowledge across courses and content areas (i.e., human development and family studies; lower level to higher level courses)
    7. Critique current theoretical and empirical knowledge of and methodological approaches to studying human development, relationships, and families
  2. HDFS students will exhibit the skills necessary to effectively apply knowledge and generate new ideas to solve real world issues
    1. Use effective written communication
    2. Use e to achieve group goals
    3. Apply research-based knowledge to working with children, families, and communities and/or agencies that serve them
  3. HDFS students will demonstrate a critical and reflexive orientation toward and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion
    1. Describe the historical and current relevance of diversity and inclusion to individuals, relationships, families, and communities
    2. Reflect on one’s own interconnected positions, privileges, and disadvantages across  multiple contexts
    3. Critically examine one’s own beliefs, assumptions, values, attitudes, and biases
    4. Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion in one’s own work (e.g., written and oral communication)
    5. Critically evaluate the cultural respectfulness and appropriateness of research, programs, and policies related to human development and families
    6. Critically evaluate the potential impact of research, programs, and policies on diversity and inclusion
    7. Demonstrate awareness of global factors (e.g., economic, political, cultural, social) and how they may affect individuals, families and communities
  4. HDFS students will develop professional competence skills and establish well-informed career and professional goals
    1. Identify and compare/contrast a range of career options for HDFS majors
    2. Create professional/job-related materials (e.g., resume, cover letter, purpose statement)
    3. Connect discipline knowledge to personal and professional life
    4. Develop leadership skills (e.g., through formal positions; informal mentoring to prospective/new students; representing the department; participation in class teamwork)
    5. Develop professional connections to support career and professional goals (e.g., relationships with professors, internship supervisors who can serve as references; connections to professionals through attending conferences/workshops or engaging with guest speakers in class)
      1. Make decisions appropriate grammar and writing mechanics
      2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of APA style
      3. Respond to constructive criticism (e.g., revision process, peer review)
      4. Produce written work that is organized, logical, and fully developed
    6. Use effective oral communication (e.g., clearly and logically present ideas aloud through presentation to class or group)
    7. Apply knowledge to formulate and investigate hypotheses or research questions
    8. Apply knowledge to propose or create research-based programs or policies
    9. Critically evaluate the quality of published research, programs, and policies and their implications for individuals, relationships, and families
    10. Collaborate and solve problems
      1. Independently
      2. Collaboratively
    11. Exhibit professional and ethical behavior