Career Options

Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) examines human development within the context of families, schools, work, communities, and other social-cultural environments. Recognizing the diversity and challenges of contemporary life, students study how environments can enhance, or limit, individual and family development from early childhood through the end of life. All HDFS programs recognize the critical importance of culture and gender; diversity; and contemporary, global perspectives in the discovery of knowledge and preparation of professionals.

Degree: B.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences, Minor in Early Childhood Development & Education
Options: Human Services, Child Development, HDFS General
Human Development and Family Science Faculty

Potential career options in Human Development and Family Sciences

Use the career planning resources to learn about the potential career options below.
(some occupations may require further education/licensure)
Advocate
Adoption Counselor
Career Counselor
Case Worker
Child Care Worker
Client Relations
Community Educator
Community Service Director
Counselor
Curriculum Director
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Intervention Specialist
Family Support Specialist
Fund Raiser
Grant Writer
Head Start Director
Life Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist
Mental Health Counselor
Nutritionist
Parent-Child Educator
Policy Analyst
Psychologist
Public Relations Specialist
Researcher
School Counselor
Social Worker
Special Education Teacher
Student Affairs Professional
Teacher
Writer
Volunteer Coordinator
Youth Outreach Educator

Where are OSU-Cascades HDFS alumni working?

Teacher, Bend-La Pine School District
Events Manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Site Coordinator, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon
Program Coordinator, Crook County Court Appointed Advocates
Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office
Case Manager, DHS Aging and People with Disabilities
Program Logistics Coordinator, Family Resource Center
Teacher, Jefferson County School District
Developmental & Behavioral Specialist, Juniper Ridge Clinic
Community Health Worker, Mosaic Medical
Development Associate, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic
Early Intervention/Special Education Specialist, Warm Springs Early Childhood Education Center

Many graduates also pursue Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Counseling (Clinical Mental Health and School) at OSU-Cascades

Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)?

Human Services Option
Abilitree
After School Buddies
Bend Community Center
Bend Park & Recreation
BestCare Treatment Services
Bethlehem Inn
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys and Girls Club
CASA
Council on Aging of Central Oregon
Department of Human Services
Deschutes County Health Services
Footprints Behavioral Interventions
Friends of The Children
Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center
Healthy Beginnings
Healthy Families of the High Desert
Heart of Oregon Corps
J Bar J Youth Services
KIDS Center
Latino Community Association
NeighborImpact
New Priorities Family Services
Northwest Youth Discovery
Opportunity Foundation
Planned Parenthood of Bend
Pregnancy Resource Center
Saving Grace
Thrive Central Oregon
Touchmark at Mount Bachelor Village
Trillium Family Services
Victims' Assistance Program

Early Childhood Option
A Child's Garden
Alyce Hatch
Bend La Pine School District
HeadStart
High Desert Educational School District
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery
Mudpies and Lullabies Preschool
NeighborImpact HeadStart
OSU-Cascades Little Beavs Childcare
Redmond School District

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in HDFS. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in HDFS.

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities.

Additional Resources

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center