Health and Human Services - Child and Family Studies

Overview

The Health and Human Services - Child and Family Studies program of the University at Buffalo is designed for students with an interest in child development, the social and educational institutions that influence children and families, and the treatments and interventions associated with childhood issues.

This concentration is an approved major for applying to UB’s Graduate School of Education, which can lead to N.Y.S. certification for pre-K – grade 6 education. Students who are interested in a career in teaching at the early childhood or childhood level (birth – 6th grade) should consult UB’s Teacher Education Programs for information about this career option.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have the ability to:

• Identify a range of health and human services professions and their characteristics; understand typical human services (HS) problems and client needs; understand the theoretical foundations of human service intervention.

• Understand the foundational principles of two social science disciplines critical to HS intervention.

• Critically evaluate social science methodologies and research; propose a research project that would answer a significant research question; utilize statistical methods to evaluate data in relation to knowledge claims.

• Recognize the importance of human values and cultural diversity in the provision of health and human services.

• Develop personal characteristics and professional skills-e.g., interview, presentation, writing-necessary for success in HS positions.

• Demonstrate knowledge of child and adolescent agencies and services, early childhood development, language development, educational research and practice, family structure/functions, and childhood interventions.

Career Outlook