What Is an Online Master's in Human and Family Development Degree?
A master's in human and family development provides a framework for careers in the human services field. Enrollees study the various developmental processes that occur over the human lifetime, including language acquisition, cognitive development, and social skill development. These programs equip students with the knowledge to understand and analyze human behavior at different points in life.
Degree-holders typically seek employment as social workers, human services administrators, and early childhood educators upon graduation, often planning to eventually become licensed counselors and psychologists. The degree builds skills in analyzing social behavior, helping people transition between different life stages, and communicating effectively with people at all stages of development and functioning.
Choosing an Online Program
When considering an online master's in human development program, carefully weigh the factors that will influence your educational experience. Ask yourself: Do the program's available concentrations align with your career plans? Does the program emphasize asynchronous or synchronous online coursework? You can learn more about how to select an online degree at the links below.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master's in Human and Family Development Program?
The curricula for different human and family development programs can vary widely, but most touch on a core course roster exploring the different stages of healthy human development. Many programs also offer gerontology, youth development, and substance abuse treatment concentrations.
Human and Family Development Curriculum
- Marriage and Family Relationships: This introductory course explores modern marriage and family situations and challenges. Students investigate the different social factors that influence interactions within families and couples. Topics include mate selection, gender roles, and parenthood. The course may require prerequisite introductory coursework in psychology or sociology.
- Language Development: Students in this class consider theories about language acquisition and cognition in early childhood. Topics may include domain-general versus domain-specific abilities, nature versus nurture, and stability of intelligence. The course also shows enrollees how to compare atypical pathways in language development with normative development patterns.
- Adult Development and Aging: This course covers the lifespan, including the transition from adolescence into adulthood and continuing into old age and death. Coursework explores the various biological, physiological, and cognitive processes that occur throughout the aging process, along with how they affect lived experiences in each stage of adult development.
Certificates and Licenses
Many students in human and family development programs eventually pursue work as licensed professional counselors. The requirements for earning a counseling license vary by state, though most states share some common criteria.
To earn your counseling license, you need a master's in counseling or a related field, along with 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience accumulated over 2-3 years. Once you finish your degree and clinical hours, you can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) — administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) — or one of several alternatives, also administered by NBCC. Passing the exam allows you to practice as a licensed counselor and receive the national certified counselor (NCC) credential.
The voluntary NCC credential offers the additional benefit of demonstrating your level of professional experience to your community. It can also lead to higher and more specialized credentials in the field.
Because nearly all states require the NCE and a similar amount of clinical hours, aspiring professionals can expect a certain amount of licensure reciprocity between states if they relocate and need licensure by endorsement. However, not all states offer reciprocity, and some states require a period of remedial education to become licensed.
Human and Family Development Careers
Master's in human and family development degrees provide a foundation for many jobs, primarily in the human services industry. Many graduates become employed as social workers or case managers immediately upon graduation, while others pursue Ph.D. programs and become licensed clinical counselors or psychologists.
The following list does not represent all possible career paths — just some commonly pursued options.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) |
$67,150 |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
17% |
Social and community service managers work as administrators in human services and community outreach organizations. These managers serve their communities by coordinating and supervising human services-related programs and activities. They work with many different clients, including local governments, community leaders, and underserved populations, such as veterans and minorities.
There is no licensure requirement for social and community service managers. Most social and community service managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field, such as human and family development or social work.
Median Salary:
$67,150
| Median BLS Salary (2020) |
$49,610 |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
22% |
Marriage and family therapists help families and couples overcome relationship problems and rebuild bonds. These professionals use strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage their clients' personal struggles and navigate difficult situations like separations, layoffs, and substance abuse issues. They work in human services agencies, outpatient care centers, or private practice.
To become a marriage and family therapist, you need at least a master's degree in psychology or family and marriage therapy, which usually requires a practicum. After earning a master's, you need to earn licensure, which requires you to complete 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours.
Median Salary:
$49,610
| Median BLS Salary (2020) |
$57,040 |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
8% |
School and career counselors help clients succeed academically and personally. School counselors help students navigate personal, disciplinary, and social issues while preparing them for their future. Career counselors help people choose a job that fits their needs. They may find employment in schools, healthcare settings, and human services organizations.
Most states require school counselors to secure licensure or some form of certification. Career counselors sometimes need licensure, though not always. Both types of counselors typically need at least a master's degree in school or career counseling or a related field, such as human and family development.
Median Salary:
$57,040
Human and Family Development Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization can provide vital support for students and professionals through continuing education, networking, and job placement services. The following organizations offer membership benefits that can help individuals pursuing master's degrees in human and family development.
Founded in 1952, ACA advocates for the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. The organization's 55,000 members enjoy free continuing education webinars, an annual conference, and access to its electronic journal database. ACA members who are still in college can also access free liability insurance.
AAMFT represents the interests of over 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the world. The organization offers members access to ethical advisory, legal consultation, and job assistance services. Students can take advantage of its various scholarships and awards, such as the graduate student research award.
IAMFC is a division of ACA, chartered in 1989. It advances the marriage and family counseling profession. Membership benefits include free or discounted continuing education credits, mentoring opportunities, and a subscription to The Family Journal. The organization also offers student awards for graduate research.
