Cost & earnings at Pfeiffer University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Human Development, Family Studies graduates earn a median $29,978 Across 335 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor in Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at Pfeiffer University is an undergraduate degree that explores human growth across the lifespan, family systems, and professional skills for supporting individuals and communities. It suits students who want a foundation for careers in family services, youth work, community organisations, or further study in counselling, social work or education.
The programme provides a broad, interdisciplinary grounding in human development and family studies. Core topics include lifespan development, family systems and dynamics, child and adolescent development, adult development and ageing, and contemporary issues affecting families such as poverty, diversity and public policy. Students also study research methods, statistics for the social sciences, ethics and professional practice.
Practical skill-building courses emphasise communication, assessment, case conceptualisation, programme planning, and intervention strategies for individuals, couples and families. The curriculum typically includes a supervised field practicum or internship in a community setting and a capstone or senior seminar that integrates theory, research and practice.
Students can expect a mix of lectures, small-group seminars, case studies, service-learning and supervised placements with local agencies. Coursework stresses applied learning and reflection, preparing graduates to work directly with clients or to pursue graduate-level professional programmes.
Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Typical entry requirements include a completed application, academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory secondary achievement, and any required personal statement or references. Pfeiffer may also consider transfer applicants from other post-secondary institutions with college-level coursework in related areas.
Because the programme involves placements with vulnerable populations, successful applicants must be prepared to complete background checks, immunisation or health screenings where required by placement partners. Some programmes may recommend or require prerequisite coursework in psychology, sociology or human biology; check with Pfeiffer admissions for specific expectations.
Graduates enter roles in a wide range of human services settings, including family and child services agencies, early childhood programmes, school support services, community outreach organisations, residential care, and non-profit programme coordination. Job titles can include family support worker, youth worker, case manager, community outreach coordinator, programme specialist and client advocate.
The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in social work, counselling, family therapy, education, public health or related fields, which may be required for clinical licensure or specialised professional roles.
Pfeiffer offers a small-campus learning environment with emphasis on personalised attention and experiential learning. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, opportunities for community-based internships across the region, and a liberal-arts framework that supports interdisciplinary thinking. The university’s relationships with local agencies help secure meaningful practicum placements, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for both employment and further professional study in the human services field.
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