Human Development & Family Relations Major

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What Will I Learn?

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Our program prepares you for careers in the human service field. Learn about human development, issues people face and how to help them live fulfilling lives.

This program is available through both our Plattsburgh and Queensbury locations with curriculum options designed to help you meet your different career goals.

General Lifespan — Available to students enrolled through both Plattsburgh and Queensbury, this pathway helps you understand the growth and change across the human life course, from prenatal development through adulthood. You will learn to work with individuals, families and communities by developing programs and services that address social, emotional and other important challenges across diverse populations.

Early Childhood Education Administration — Available to students enrolled through Plattsburgh, this concentration develops the knowledge and skills needed for leadership roles in early childhood settings. You will prepare for careers such as early childhood center directors, Head Start teachers or professionals working in other youth-related agencies. This concentration is unique within the SUNY system.

What is Unique About Our Program?

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• Flexible Online Learning with HyFlex Options — Complete your major HDFR coursework online*. Students in Queenbury have the option to participate in select HyFlex courses each semester, attending class in person while main campus students join synchronously online.
• Real-world Experiences Built In — Gain hands-on experiences through field trips to see human services professionals in action and through volunteer work.
• Immersive Fieldwork — Learn to hone your skills and build confidence in a 30-hour practicum and professional internships.
• Eligible for a National Credential — Students in our general lifespan concentration qualify for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation to show employers you have specialized training in family and human development.
• Earn Credit for What You Already Know — Use Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) in early childhood education administration to turn your experience into college credit, saving time and money.

*Major coursework can be completed online; availability of online General Education, cognate and elective coursework may vary.

The best part of the HDFR program is the professional experience you get outside of the classroom. I specialized in early childhood education administration but completed my internship in probation; I now use everything I learned in my career.

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Brianna, HDFR Graduate

What Are My Career Opportunities?

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A human development and family relations degree is highly relevant to a broad range of career opportunities. You will be eligible for a professional job even without a graduate degree and many of our graduates enter the job market immediately after graduation. There is a growing need for social and human services professionals and the market is expected to grow over the next decade.

Graduates holding degrees in human development and family relations from SUNY Plattsburgh are currently working in such diverse fields as:

Pursuing a Graduate Degree

Approximately 25–30 percent of human development and family relations majors pursue advanced degrees in counseling, social work, psychology, law, public administration, or other related fields.

Recent graduates have gone on to master’s programs at SUNY Albany, Hunter College, The College of Saint Rose, University of Buffalo and SUNY Plattsburgh, to name a few.

• Job Market Outlook for Human Development & Family Relations

Recent HDFR Graduate

Storme Hutton, Class of ‘26

• Graduate Student, SUNY Plattsburgh M.S.W. Program

“I gained meaningful hands-on experience that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. My practicum allowed me to directly apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world settings. I worked closely with individuals across the lifespan, assisting with structured activities, observing developmental needs and supporting daily programming. This experience strengthened my leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, particularly when adapting activities to meet varying abilities and needs. The support and guidance from the faculty have truly helped me build confidence in my future career path.”

Sarah Wright, Class of ‘20

• Program and Operations Coordinator, Literacy Volunteers of Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties

“HDFR is filled with opportunities. The mentors I gained through this program set me on a path to success — I felt valued and supported by them every step of the way. It not only gave me the confidence I needed to become a human service professional, but it also kick started my career. Shortly after graduating, I was hired at the same non-profit organization where I completed my internship. Every day, I get to support adult learners and help them achieve their educational goals. HDFR led me to find both my passion and purpose, and for that, I will always be grateful.”