Bachelor’s Degree in Family Life and Human Development
SUU’s Family Life and Human Development (FLHD) program prepares professionals to integrate theory and evidence-based practices into the healthy development of families across the lifespan. The program offers hands-on learning with expert faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, including an early-childhood learning center.
College: Education
Department: Family Life and Human Development
Emphases Available to Family Life and Human Development Majors
The Early Childhood Development Emphasis focuses on the growth and education of young children, preparing students to work in preschools, childcare centers, and early childhood programs. Courses cover topics like integrated curriculum and assessment, fostering family, school, and community partnerships, and nutrition for infants and children. Students gain hands-on experience through SUU’s early-childhood learning center, working with real parents and children from the community.
Academic Catalog Program MapThe Family Services Emphasis equips students with the skills to support families through various service programs and agencies. Key courses include family law and public policy, values and ethics in family services, and family problems and solutions. Students benefit from a capstone experience, which can be an independent research project, internship, or study abroad opportunity, preparing them for careers in social services, community outreach, and crisis intervention.
Academic Catalog Program MapThe Family Studies Emphasis provides a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan. Students explore courses in family processes and theory, human development through the lifespan, and diverse individuals and families in societal contexts. This emphasis prepares graduates for roles in educational program development, community health agencies, and research positions, with many pursuing advanced education in family therapy and counseling.
Academic Catalog Program MapCareer Opportunities
Graduates work in Head Start, preschools, social services, youth-in-crisis programs, community outreach, and educational program development. Many pursue advanced education to become family therapists, counselors, or small business owners.
Where have SUU FLHD majors been hired?
Data gathered by the SUU Career Center
State-of-the-Art Learning Environments
The FLHD program features a state-of-the-art early-childhood learning center where students gain practical experience with community clients. This hands-on approach is complemented by internships and study abroad opportunities.
Active Campus Involvement
The thriving program offers access to professors, integrated practicum and lab coursework, clubs, and social activities. FLHD faculty are passionate about the content and serve as research mentors and advisors. Students can engage in internships, study abroad, student research, research assistantships, conferences, the FLHD club, and Kappa Omicron Nu (honor society by invitation).
Accredited Excellence
The FLHD program is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to integrating theory with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the field.
SUU Online
This academic program is available in a 100% online learning platform with the following features.
- Flexibility to study around your schedule
- Structured coursework to keep you on pace
- High-quality curriculum developed by SUU faculty
- Access to faculty for help and mentorship
- Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of–state students
- Scholarship opportunities
- Robust student support services: IT, academics, mental health, etc.
- Online courses are also available to on-campus students