University of Delaware

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational social and biological science with applied courses that address family functioning, consumer issues and human wellbeing. Core topics typically include lifespan human development, family systems and relationships, research methods and statistics, family resource management, nutrition and health promotion, and policy as it affects families and communities.

Students follow a mix of lecture courses, small seminars and hands‑on learning. Typical modules and subject areas you can expect:

• Human development across the lifespan — prenatal development through older adulthood, with attention to cognitive, social and emotional change.
• Family relationships and dynamics — couple and parent–child relationships, family stress and resilience, and cultural diversity in family life.
• Consumer and resource management — personal finance, household decision making, and community resource use.
• Nutrition and health promotion — principles of nutrition, food choices, and community nutrition education.
• Research methods and applied statistics — designing studies, data analysis and interpreting evidence relevant to families and communities.
• Practicum or internship — supervised field placements in community agencies, schools, extension services or health settings.
• Capstone or senior seminar — applied project or research paper synthesising learning and practical experience.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the University of Delaware undergraduate process and requires a secondary school diploma (or equivalent) with a competitive academic record. Recommended preparatory subjects at secondary level include biology or another science, mathematics, and social studies. Admissions typically review your high school transcript, personal statement and any standardised test scores you submit.

For applicants who have completed college coursework or transfer students, a record of relevant college classes and a minimum number of transferable credits will be required. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency according to the university's published language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of public, private and non‑profit roles that support individuals, families and communities. Common career paths include:

• Family and youth services worker or coordinator in community agencies and non‑profits
• Early childhood programme staff and child development support roles (some positions may require additional certification)
• Extension educator or community outreach specialist working with consumer and family programming
• Consumer advocacy, housing or financial education roles focused on resource management
• Health promotion assistant roles in public health and nutrition education settings
• Research assistant positions in academic or policy research on families, development and consumer issues
• Progression to graduate study in fields such as social work, counselling, public health, human development, education or family studies

Why study at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware offers an interdisciplinary environment with faculty conducting active research in family processes, child development and community interventions. Students benefit from applied learning through practicum placements, community partnerships and the university's outreach networks, which help bridge classroom learning and professional experience.

Smaller seminars and research opportunities allow undergraduates to work directly with faculty, while a broad choice of electives across related departments lets you tailor the degree to interests in policy, health, education or consumer sciences. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for both immediate entry into practice and continued study at graduate level.