Family & Human Services Major

Family and human services professionals impact individuals, families and communities.

The Family and Human Services major provides students with knowledge of the factors that influences human behavior and the skills needed to provide services to a variety of individuals. Students will learn how to help individuals utilize their capabilities and reach their optimal level of functioning.

Family and Human Services majors may choose the Introduction to Child Life track, which equips students interested in a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Child life promotes effective coping in children and families who are undergoing stressful medical experiences. Students interested in becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist, may apply for the child life, administration and family collaboration (B.S. to M.S.) program in their junior year with this track.

Austin Fillmore working at his internship, Art With a Heart

Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions

You can view degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Family Life Educator Certification 

The Family and Human Services major prepares students for provisional certification as a Family Life Educator (CFLE). Certification can be achieved through completion of two years of family life work experience following graduation. The CFLE credential is administered through the National Council on Family Relations.

Accelerated B.S./M.S.

The Department of Family Studies and Community Development offers two accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs for this major. Accelerated programs allow you to begin your graduate education as an undergraduate, offering you the opportunity to save time and money while you advance your academic career. The combined B.S. in Family & Human Services/M.S. in Child Life, Administration & Family Collaboration enables students to substitute nine credits in the Master’s in Child Life, Administration & Family Collaboration program for undergraduate classes in the Family & Human Services major. The combined B.S. in Family and Human Services/M.S. in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service enables students to substitute nine credits in the Master’s in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service program for undergraduate classes in the Family and Human Services major.

why towson University?

  • Small classes taught by experienced faculty give students the opportunity to interact with instructors and fellow classmates.
  • Students build a portfolio of practical experience that complements coursework through internships and field placements at leading social service agencies, health care organizations, schools, and government entities. Choose your internship site from a list of more than 75 agencies in the Baltimore region.
  • The Towson University Student Council on Family Relations and the Child Life Club offer student-led opportunities to participate in service and fundraising events benefiting families and communities in the Baltimore area.

Program Available at TU in Northeastern Maryland

The Northeastern campus offers a convenient transfer option for Harford Community College (HCC) students and another campus of opportunities for Towson students. Find out more about earning your Towson University bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Services at TU in Northeastern Maryland.