Human Development, Family Studies graduates earn a median $29,978 Across 335 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor’s in Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at CUNY is a multi-disciplinary undergraduate degree that prepares students to understand human growth across the lifespan, the dynamics of families, and community systems that support wellbeing. It suits students interested in careers in social services, early intervention, family support, community education or those planning further professional study such as social work, counselling or public health.
This programme combines coursework in human development and family studies with research methods and practical field experience. Core subjects typically include lifespan human development, family systems and theory, developmental psychopathology, child and adolescent development, adult and ageing studies, and parent–child relationships.
Students also take methodological and professional practice courses such as introductory and advanced research methods, statistics for the behavioural sciences, programme evaluation, ethics and law in human services, and practicum or field-placement seminars. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as early childhood intervention, school and community-based services, gerontology, infant mental health, trauma-informed practice, or multicultural family studies.
The curriculum is often structured with foundational courses in the first year, intermediate courses and statistics/research training in the middle years, and a senior capstone or practicum that integrates academic learning with supervised fieldwork in community agencies, schools, hospitals or nonprofits. Students may complete a senior project, internship portfolio or applied research project as a culminating experience.
Applicants are expected to hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. CUNY undergraduate admissions typically consider academic preparation, high-school transcript, and any standardised test results where required; many CUNY colleges have test-optional policies. Competitive applicants will have completed college-preparatory courses in English and mathematics and will demonstrate readiness for college-level social science coursework.
Transfer applicants should present previous college coursework and transcripts; some transfer credit for introductory social science or general education courses may be awarded. International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements through recognised tests or institutional proof of English-language readiness. Some campuses or programmes may ask for a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or an interview, especially for limited-enrolment tracks or practicum placements.
Graduates enter a wide range of settings where knowledge of human development and family systems is essential. Typical roles include family support worker, case manager, youth worker, early childhood intervention specialist, community outreach coordinator, program coordinator in nonprofit organisations, rehabilitation support specialist, and research or evaluation assistant.
The degree also provides preparation for graduate and professional study—common next steps include social work (MSW), marriage and family therapy, counselling psychology, public health, special education, or advanced study in human development. Strong practicum experiences and CUNY’s community connections support transitions into employment or postgraduate training in public, nonprofit and educational sectors across urban settings.
CUNY offers access to diverse urban communities and extensive field-placement opportunities across New York City, enabling students to gain practical experience with a wide range of populations and service providers. The university’s public mandate emphasises affordability, accessibility and serving first-generation and immigrant students, creating a richly diverse learning environment relevant to family and community work.
Students benefit from faculty who conduct applied research in human development and family services, collaborations with local health and social service agencies, and multiple sites for internships and supervised practicum. CUNY’s network of campuses and community partnerships supports pathways into employment and graduate study while providing exposure to real-world multicultural practice and policy issues influencing families and human services in urban contexts.
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