HDFS helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed for law school and policy-related careers because it uniquely trains students to see the significant influence of family functioning and societal factors on human well-being. This lens promotes the following skills identified by the American Bar Association as necessary for law school applicants and practicing lawyers.
- Can read, communicate and think critically.
- Exhibit listening and communication skills that promote public service and social justice.
Source: American Bar Association
Additionally, the coursework and experiential learning opportunities in the HDFS major (list a few courses here) provide training on navigating family and community dynamics, which is essential for many specialized fields of law, including juvenile law, family/divorce law, wills/trusts/estates, tax law, consumer protection law, criminal justice, and tribal law.
We can encourage you to communicate with the Pre-Professional Advising Office for guidance on graduate program requirements.
Meet a Student
Ken’Asia Johnson
"What I value most about FACS is the sense of community and support. Faculty and peers have encouraged me to grow not only academically and professionally, but also personally, challenging me to think critically and act passionately."
My undergraduate degree permeates every aspect of my life, personally and professionally. It has paved the way for success to all my aspirations. My success as a family law attorney was integral to my election as a Superior Court Judge. During my contested election, my campaign focus on child and family issues totally changed the climate of the campaign in my rural five county area. All the candidates in every race brought into the issues I outlined as pivotal issues. Children and families became every candidate's issues. It is a rare voter who has not been impacted by a family legal issue in some way.
Policy
Throughout the curriculum, HDFS students examine the ways in which society and social policy affect all people generally and certain populations specifically (e.g., children, working adults, older adults, military members and veterans, etc.). They can select a Prevention/Intervention track in which they can take coursework (HDFS 4130) related to how policy affects individuals in the family context. HDFS majors also can take coursework in which they engage with Cooperative Extension offices and agents throughout the state, which allows them to consider the impact of government on people and communities.
HDFS majors also have an opportunity to apply for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Legislative Aide program in which they work one-on-one with a state legislator. This competitive opportunity offers a wealth of policy and law experience and comes with $6,000 in funding to support living expenses in Atlanta.