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Human Development Degree

Early Childhood Development and Education | Human Development

Focus Areas

Academic Focus

Co-Curricular and Engagement

Career Development

Milestone

First Year: Explore

Academic Focus

  • Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan 
  • Complete first year experience course HD 1014 and other foundational courses, including HD 1004, HD 1434, and HD 2004 
  • Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests 
  • Explore potential minors or second majors

Co-Curricular and Engagement

  • Go to Gobblerfest and join student organizations related to your interests, such as HDFS Student Association (HDFSSA) 
  • Visit the Student Success Center for support services 
  • Consider enrolling in HD 1034: The Connection Project 
  • Look for more opportunities to get involved within the bi-weekly HDFS newsletter

Career Development

Milestone

  • Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths 
  • Establish a connection with at least one faculty member and attend office hours to build relationships

Middle Years: Focus and Connect

Academic Focus

  • Update your academic plan with your advisor 
  • Complete HD 2434 and other coursework required for Field Study 
  • Attend a college or departmental info session on research opportunities and engage in undergraduate research or a faculty-led project 
  • Identify minor(s) or second major(s) of interest, if desired 
  • Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa

Co-Curricular and Engagement

  • Attend HDFS Student Association events and networking opportunities 
  • Begin undergraduate research or join a faculty-led research project 
  • Maintain involvement in HDFS Student Association (HDFSSA) and other student organizations 
  • Pursue leadership roles with student organizations 
  • Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with academic plan

Career Development

  • Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews 
  • Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview 
  • Attend Field Study information sessions and review HDFS Field Study Canvas site 
  • Attend a career fair(s) and build your LinkedIn profile 
  • Plan for graduate school applications (research programs, review requirements, prepare to request letters of recommendation) or post-grad job search 
  • Identify and prepare for a Field Study placement

Milestone

  • Gain first professional experience 
  • Declare any second majors or minors, if applicable 
  • Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path 
  • Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research) and add to your resume

Last Year: Launch

Academic Focus

  • Complete 4000-level classes, and Field Study Bridge Experience (if not already completed) 
  • Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed

Co-Curricular and Engagement

  • Continue leadership and engagement with HDFSSA and the department 
  • Share experiences with younger students through mentoring, panels, or department events 
  • Participate in HDFS graduation celebrations and recognition events 
  • Volunteer for university outreach or recruitment

Career Development

  • Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences 
  • Complete Field Study Bridge Experience and connect it to career goals 
  • Apply to jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships 
  • Reflect on experiential learning and leverage it in interviews 
  • Complete First Destination Survey

Milestone

  • Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network 
  • Engage with alumni association in your hometown

Finding
Your Future
in Human Development

Our graduates have the skills to:

  • Support individuals, families, and communities 
  • Apply research and evidence-based practices to real-world challenges 
  • Communicate effectively across diverse populations 
  • Advocate for health, well-being, and positive social outcomes

Common job titles include:

  • School counselor 
  • Teacher 
  • Case manager 
  • Social worker 
  • Youth advisor 
  • Activities director 
  • Early Childhood Professional 
  • Behavioral counselor

First Destinations:

  • Graduate programs in education, health, and human services at schools like Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, and Radford University 
  • Carilion Clinic 
  • UVA Health 
  • Virginia School Divisions

Personalize Your Path

Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.

Find Out More About the Careers of Our Human Development Graduates