Family Studies and Human Development Major

Family Studies and Human Development

Why Family Studies and Human Development?

Develop the foundations for an exciting career working with individuals and families.

You'll build a deeper understanding of individual and family health, well-being, and relationships from childhood into old age and hone your skills through practical experience, preparing you for a career in fields such as social work, public health, speech-language pathology, and much more.

Students in the Family Studies and Human Development FSHD program may also be interested in studying Sociology, Psychology, a degree in Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, or other majors.

To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our 2023-2024 Academic Calendar.

How We Grow, Develop, and Relate to Each Other

 Understand Individual and Family Health

As an FSHD student, you'll build an interdisciplinary understanding of how individual health, well-being, and relationships are impacted by psychological, social, biological and economic factors across the lifespan.

 Focus on Your Interests

Gain expertise in a subject area that interests you by choosing to focus on the content areas of Adult Development and Gerontology, Sexuality and Relationships or Youth Studies, preparing you for a career in fields such as social work, gerontology, public health, occupational therapy, family law and mediation, couple and family therapy and family relations and human development.

 Gain Real-World Practicum Experience

A unique component of the BASc undergraduate degree, the guaranteed practicum placement gives students up to 336 hours of practical experience working with youth, young adults, families or seniors in a human service organization.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Family Studies and Human Development?

Graduates from the University of Guelph Family Studies and Human Development program are prepared for a variety of graduate studies opportunities and career pathways, all under the context of working with individuals and families.

Here are just a few careers our FSHD program graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Counselling or social work
  • Elementary/secondary teaching
  • Working with older adults
  • Health promotion
  • Sexuality education
Shannon D'Silva headshot.
I chose Family Studies and Human Development at U of G because I wanted to learn about health, well-being, and human development from a biopsychosocial perspective. Throughout my degree, I've had the opportunity to learn about the social determinants of health, counselling skills, intersectionality, screening/assessment, and development across the lifespan. Currently, I am looking into pursuing a master's degree in occupational therapy and I feel that the FSHD courses have prepared me well for this. I also think that there are opportunities to pursue lots of other fields after completing this degree, including education, public health, social work, and counselling.

Shannon D'Silva
Family Studies and Human Development

Admission Requirements

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Scholarships & Bursaries

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