Department Chair Rea Gubler – ED 317 – (435) 586-1945	Faculty & Staff
Administrative Assistant Shirley Wilson – ED 324 – (435) 586-7802	Student Success Advisors
	Website

Overview of Programs

The department offers two degree emphasis options at both the associate and bachelor levels for students pursuing a career in family services or early childhood development. Minors in Family Services and Early Childhood Development are also available.

Our Mission

The Family Life and Human Development program focuses on strengthening families by integrating curriculum based on the healthy development of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. The program prepares early childhood and family service professionals to integrate family theory and research into evidence based practices through experiential education applicable to families and human relationships.

Our Vision

Family Life and Human Development will be recognized as a premier family studies program for its innovations in teaching, professionally prepared practitioners, and extraordinary attention to each student.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate is grounded in a strong foundation of education, developmentally appropriate practice, human development over the lifespan, marriage and family relationships, and family services. Thus, students are prepared to:

• Recognize societal components and systems that affect families and individuals.
• Identify and analyze family dynamics and implement strategies to improve family function.
• Understand and assist individuals and families in effective transitions across the lifespan.
• Address human sexuality issues from a holistic perspective to assist individuals and families.
• Develop and implement multiple strategies to assess and support interpersonal relationships. 
• Facilitate management of multiple family resources based on goals, values and sound decision-making practices.
• Promote and apply healthy parenting strategies and practices across diverse populations and family structures.
• Analyze and inform policy makers, communities, and families about legislation and its impact on families at all political levels.
• Identify, evaluate and apply appropriate strategies to ethical issues experienced by individuals and families.
• Develop and implement family life education program strategies to a variety of family and community populations.
• Understand and demonstrate professional appearance and family life education practices as a family advocate serving in various programs and agencies.

Other Information

All Family Life and Human Development majors and minors are required to obtain a “C” (2.0) or better grade in their major/minor coursework.

Programs

• Child and Family Services - Early Childhood Development Emphasis (A.A.S.)
• Child and Family Services - Family Services Emphasis (A.A.S.)

• Family Life and Human Development - Early Childhood Development Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Family Life and Human Development - Family Services Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Family Life and Human Development - Family Studies Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)

• Early Childhood Development (Minor)
• Family Services (Minor)