Helping children through careers in HDFS

If you want to work with kids but teaching doesn’t feel like the best fit, a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science can help you build a career supporting children and families without needing a teaching license. 

With opportunities in healthcare, community programs, research, and family services, there are many ways to turn your interest in working with children into meaningful work. 

What is HDFS?

Human development and family science is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding how people grow and develop across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on children, families, and the environments that shape them. HDFS draws from:

• the individual focus of psychology,
• the group focus of sociology,
• and the environmental context of human ecology

to provide a comprehensive understanding of human development, family dynamics, and the broader contexts — such as community and culture — that influence them. 

As a degree, HDFS emphasizes both foundational knowledge and adaptable “soft skills” like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, making graduates versatile for a wide range of roles and careers, especially for those still exploring their specific career paths. 

Why HDFS is a good fit for child‑focused careers beyond teaching

An HDFS degree also allows you to customize your path, tailoring your studies to your interests and career goals. For example, you might explore topics like families with adolescents, adult development and aging, or service learning and positive youth development for school‑aged children. These are just a few of over 20 elective courses available, giving you flexibility to shape your education around the kind of work you want to do. 

The practical skill sets that HDFS students build include: 

• analyzing how biology, cognition, family, and society shape behavior;
• honing interpersonal skills, including enhancing listening, understanding group dynamics, learning how to motivate people, and how to resolve conflicts;
• identifying and building on existing family and individual strengths to prevent problems before they occur;
• and understanding diverse family systems.

What can you do with an HDFS degree? Child-focused careers

HDFS careers span healthcare, nonprofits, community programs, research, and more. Below is a sample of the child-focused human development and family science jobs you might consider: 

Child life specialist

Child life specialists support children and families in healthcare settings by helping them understand and cope with medical experiences. They use age-appropriate strategies — such as play, education, and emotional support — to reduce stress and improve a child’s overall well‑being during hospitalization or treatment.

Social and community service manager

Social and community service managers work across nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and social service providers to develop and lead programs that support individuals, families, and communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for this role is approximately $78,240. 

Family support specialist

Family support specialists work directly with children and families to promote stability, well‑being, and access to resources. They often connect families with community services, provide education and guidance, and help address challenges related to parenting, behavior, or life circumstances. These roles are commonly found in nonprofit organizations, healthcare settings, and community agencies.

Behavioral health or social services assistant 

Behavioral health or social services assistants support professionals who work with children, families, and individuals in need of behavioral or mental health services. They may assist with case management, help connect clients to resources, and support day‑to‑day program operations in settings such as community health centers, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

Job openings in this field are projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, which is faster than the average growth rate (BLS).

Early childhood program administrator

Early childhood program administrators plan, direct, or coordinate academic and nonacademic activities in preschools, childcare centers, and related programs. According to BLS data, the median annual wage for this role is $61,320, with higher earnings possible in some education settings. 

Research assistant or child development research coordinator 

Research assistants or child development research coordinators support studies focused on children, families, and communities. They may collect and analyze data, assist with program evaluation, and contribute to research that informs policies and practices that improve outcomes for children and families. According to the BLS, related roles have a mean annual wage of about $62,370. 

Note: Some roles may require additional education, certifications, or licensure, depending on the position. 

Where are HDFS graduates now?

Child-focused industries that hire HDFS graduates include:

• Healthcare and hospital systems
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Government and public service agencies
• Youth development and recreational programs
• Research, policy, and advocacy organizations

Graduates of Ohio State’s Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science hold a variety of child- and family-focused HDFS jobs, including:  

• Family Resource Center – Prevention Educator
• Girl Scouts of America – Outreach Facilitator, Community Troop Support Manager, Community Development Manager
• Helping Hands Center – Special Needs Coordinator
• National Park Service – Education Technician, Youth Conservation Corps Director
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Ambulatory Patient Registration Representative
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services – Office of Family Assistance Trainer
• Wexner Medical Center– Family Support Coordinator, Clinical Research Assistant

Advanced degree opportunities

If your long‑term career goals include leadership roles or specialized fields, an HDFS degree can also serve as a strong foundation for graduate study. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in areas such as counseling, social work, public health, psychology, or human development, opening the door to additional career opportunities.

HDFS graduates who go on to pursue advanced degrees work in a variety of child‑ and family‑focused roles, including:

• Appalachian Children’s Coalition – Executive Director
• Associates in Pediatric Therapy – Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• CoSI – Manager of Early Childhood Programs and Operations
• Couple and Family Therapy Clinic – Therapist
• Dublin Learning Academy – Assistant Director
• John Sells Middle School – Instructional Paraprofessional (BLC)
• National Educ Assoc – Campaigns and Elections
• Success Academy Charter School – Program Manager
• Teays Valley Local Schools – High School Counselor
• Various School Districts – PK-3 and 4-9 Teacher

Why consider Ohio State’s online HDFS program?

If you’re looking for a degree that leads to working with kids, Ohio State’s online Bachelor of Science in HDFS can open the door to many different career paths supporting children and families, without requiring a teaching license. 

The program is designed to be flexible, practical, and aligned with real‑world career paths: 

• Customizable coursework with a range of elective options, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests, whether that includes working with children, adolescents, families, or related fields
• Curriculum grounded in evidence‑based research and developmental science, including a strong focus on child and adolescent development
• Fully online, mostly asynchronous format designed for working professionals and adult learners balancing school with other responsibilities
• Transfer-credit friendly structure, allowing eligible credits to be applied toward your degree to help you finish more efficiently