Berea College

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational human development theory with practical skills for working with individuals, families and community organisations. Core study areas include lifespan development, family systems, child and adolescent development, adult and ageing processes, and the social and cultural contexts that shape family life.

• Foundations and theory: courses on theories of human development, family dynamics, and human ecology.
• Developmental topics: prenatal and early childhood development, school-age and adolescent development, adult development and ageing, and intergenerational relationships.
• Research and practice skills: research methods, statistics for social sciences, assessment and programme evaluation.
• Intervention and professional skills: counselling techniques, family-centred practice, case management, community resource coordination, and ethics.
• Applied learning: supervised field placements, practicum experiences in community agencies, and a capstone project or seminar synthesising theory and practice.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary study: opportunities to take related courses in education, psychology, public health, sociology, and policy to tailor study to career goals.

Entry requirements

Berea College admits students on the basis of academic achievement, personal qualities and demonstrated financial need; applicants typically submit a high-school transcript, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Prospective students for this degree should have studied a core range of secondary-school subjects and show strong communication skills and an interest in working with people and communities.

Because Berea has a distinctive labour program and an institutional mission focused on access, applicants should be prepared to participate in campus work responsibilities and to describe how the college's values align with their own goals. Transfer applicants will normally need to provide college transcripts and information about previous practicum or volunteer experience in human-services settings.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in human and family services, community organisations and education settings, and are also well positioned to pursue graduate training. Typical career paths include:

• Family support worker, case manager or community outreach coordinator in non-profit and public agencies.
• Early-years practitioner or programme coordinator in child and family services (note: some roles require additional certification or state licensure).
• Roles in youth services, school support programmes, or residential care settings.
• Support positions in ageing services, community health initiatives and advocacy organisations.
• Progression to graduate study in social work (MSW), counselling, marriage and family therapy, public health, education or research-led programmes.

Why study at Berea College

Berea College combines a liberal-arts curriculum with sustained emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentoring and required field placements that connect academic learning to practice in local agencies.

The college's work program and mission-driven approach create a distinctive campus culture focused on service, affordability and student responsibility. For students interested in applied human development and family services, Berea offers hands-on training, opportunities for interdisciplinary study, and support for first-generation and low-income students seeking careers that strengthen families and communities.