Build upon foundational coursework in Human Development & Family Science to pursue graduate education for careers in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and others.
Courses of Interest
- HDFS 2200 Lifespan Development
- HDFS 3920 Issues in Family Systems
- HDFS 4080/6080 Contemporary Topics in Child Development: Risk and Resilience
- HDFS 4130/6130 Family Policy: Bridging Theory and Practice
- HDFS 4810/6810 Psychosocial Care of the Hospitalized Child and the Family
- HDFS 4820/6820 Child Life Theory and Practice
- HDFS 4830/6830 Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
- HDFS 4860/6860 Parenting and Child Guidance
- HDFS 4900/6900 (3 hours) Seminar in Human Development and Family Science
- HDFS 5130/7130 Therapeutic Benefits of Play
Medical Schools look for candidates who:
- Have an understanding of the “whole picture” in interacting with human beings
- Exhibit qualities of compassion, sensitivity & effective relationships with patients of diverse backgrounds
Sources: The Princeton Review, US News & World Report, and medical school websites
Additional resources that you may find helpful can be found through the Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center.
HDFS uniquely helps students hone these qualities by studying human beings’ physical, cognitive and socioemotional development through the lifespan in the context of the most important human environment: families.
We can encourage you to communicate with the Pre-Professional Advising Office for guidance on graduate program requirements.
Meet a Student
Lauren Lewis
"My FACS education completely transformed my educational and career trajectory. I switched from pre-med to pre-nursing in college because I wanted a more holistic, patient centered approach that aligned with what I was learning in HDFS."