Family Life and Human Development: Family Services

The Family Life and Human Development degree with an emphasis in Family Services, prepares students for careers working with individuals and families in a variety of social services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human service workers are among the fastest growing occupations. A degree in Family Services will also prepare students for further graduate study in specific fields such as Social Work, Psychology, Marital and Family Counseling. The Family Services degree has three main areas of emphasis: human development through the lifespan, marriage and family relationships, and skills for intervening and helping individuals and families with 21st century challenges.

Alumni SPOTLIGHT

Name: Jacob Joslin

Graduated: Class of 2008

Current job: Alcohol and Drug Therapist/General Mental
Health Counselor at Valley Mental Health

“My education in Family Services prepared me to enter a competitive master’s degree program in social work. It gave me a solid foundation in human and family development which has allowed me to understand the needs of clients working with a variety of addiction and other mental health concerns. In addition to preparing me for my professional career, my education at SUU helped me prepare for my most important roles – being a husband and father.”

POINTS of DISTINCTION

Active learning experiences providing family life education
Service-learning experiences in the community
Small class sizes for a personalized and interactive educational experience

POSSIBLE CAREERS

Social Service Worker specializing in substance abuse, mental health, child and family services; Women’s Crisis Center/Domestic Violence; Family Life Educator in parenting, pre-marital education, marital enrichment, and youth mentoring programs; Community Care Service Organizations; Caseworker aiding people on issues such as food stamps, Medicare, and employment; Gerontology working with older adults in community centers, living facilities, hospitals, and hospice; Youth Counselor; Probation Officer/Community Corrections Counselor; or County Extension Educator

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

The College resides in a state-of-the-art Education Building and operates labs for hands-on experience. Utilization of community services where available.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society for those in majors related to Family and Consumer Sciences and offering opportunities for service and leadership.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Department Name: Teacher Education and Human Development
Department Contact: Shawn Christiansen
Email Address: christiansen@suu.edu
Department Phone: 435-586-7802
Department Fax: 435-865-8532