Human Development Major Career Planning Options
Human Development majors explore the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth processes of individuals from conception to very old age. By studying the way these processes interdependently affect human changes and behavior patterns, students gain an in depth understanding of marital and family dynamics from both an individual and social perspective. Rivier's Human Development major (non-education track) is unique in that it examines factors, which promote both normal and abnormal development, through a combination of comprehensive psychology and sociology coursework. Students further explore the familial, community, and societal conditions that influence development such as parenting, gender, ethnicity, and learning differences. Along with an intensive social and behavioral sciences curriculum, human development majors acquire a solid liberal arts foundation that promotes strong communication and critical thinking skills. Visit Rivier's Psychology Department and Sociology Department for information on degrees and course offerings.
Human Development Major Skills
| Oral & Written Interpersonal |
Engage in Ethical Practice |
| Communication |
Observe, Analyze, & Interpret Information |
| Interviewing & Counseling Techniques |
Insight to Deal Effectively with People |
| Problem Solving & Decision Making |
Able to Promote Healthy Relationships |
| Detail Oriented |
Understanding Group Dynamics |
| Knowledge of Community Resources |
Interact Well with Diverse Cultures/Groups |
| Concern for & Sensitivity to Others |
Critical & Inferential Thinking |
| Good Listener |
Ability to Resolve or Mediate Conflicts |
| Knowledge of Human Development & Behavior |
Knowledge of Social Structure & Change |
Career Paths in Human Development
New graduates with a degree in human development have work options that are diverse and dependent upon one’s interests, abilities, work values, academic emphasis and practical experience in the field. For those with an interest in teaching, the human development major can be coupled with a second major in education, which prepares Rivier University graduates for dual certification in either Early Childhood/Special Education or Elementary/Special Education (see Education Major Career Planning Options). Human Development majors with career interests outside of education may seek positions in applied fields such as human resources, social services, community organization, and health related occupations. It is strongly encouraged that these students elect to minor in Social Work, so as to begin developing advocacy and clinical skills, as well as an awareness of community organization. With the Social Work minor, students gain practical experience through a required internship at a social service agency that is integrated into their educational program. A master's degree or doctorate level preparation is typically required for advanced career opportunities in counseling and guidance, social work, education, developmental psychology, administration, and human resources management.
Human Development graduates may work as . . .
(The following are titles from across the industry. Some of these jobs may require education or experience beyond a bachelor's degree.)
| Admissions Counselor |
Parent Educator |
| College Student Personnel |
Adoption Agency Official |
| Parole Officer |
Crisis Center Specialist |
| Behavior Specialist |
Employment Interviewer/Recruiter |
| Pastoral Counselor |
Recreational Therapist |
| Case Manager |
Child Care Program Coordinator |
| Family Services Specialist |
Rehabilitation Counselor |
| Family Therapist |
Retirement Counselor |
| Health Educator |
Higher Ed Administration |
| Child Life Specialist |
Human Resource Manager |
| Child Welfare Officer |
Human Services Worker |
| Clinical Counselor |
Legislative Aide |
| Community Outreach Worker |
Occupational Therapist |
| Community Support Clinician |
School Guidance Counselor |
| Teacher/Professor |
Social Services Case Worker |
| Youth Services Worker |
Social Worker |
Human Development graduates may work at . . .
| Adoption/Child Care Agencies |
Group Homes |
| Business & Industry |
Peace Corps |
| Personnel Departments |
Head Start Programs |
| Churches/Religious Groups |
Civil Rights Agencies |
| Health & Public Health Departments |
Human Services Agencies |
| Private Practice |
Human Resource Departments |
| Clinics/Hospitals |
Public & Private Schools |
| Colleges/Universities |
Community Service Agencies |
| Justice Departments |
Rehabilitation Agencies |
| Publishing Firms |
Residential Treatment Centers |
| Courts/Correctional Facilities |
Senior/Retirement Centers |
| Mental Health Agencies |
Youth Organizations |
| Non-Profit Organizations |
Social Welfare Departments |
| Government (Federal & State) |
|
Ways to Increase Employability
- Pursue elective course work or additional training related to one's professional field of interest.
- Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.
- Become an active student member of university, community, or professional organizations, which enhance leadership skills and promote networking relationships with fellow professionals.
- Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation through relevant part-time, full-time, and summer job/internship positions.
Sources of Information on Majors, Careers and Employment in Human Development
- Rivier University Faculty, Academic Advisors, & Health Sciences Department Resources
- Professionals Working in the Field
- Professional Organizations
- Rivier University Career Development Center Counseling Staff, Website & Office Resources
Rivier University's Career Development Center Resources
Effective career decision-making evolves through a process of gathering accurate self-knowledge and significant information about the major or career being explored. The Rivier University Career Development Center offers individual counseling and career resources regarding self-assessment, career exploration, gaining practical experience, and job searching skills. For more information, contact us at 897-8246. The following is a partial list of career resources, available in our office, which may be of interest to Human Development Majors:
- Great Jobs for Psychology Majors
- Careers for Caring People and Other Sensitive Types
- 100 Jobs in Social Change
- Real People Working in Education
- 101 Grade A Resumes for Teachers
- 101 Career Alternatives for Teachers: Exciting Job Opportunities for Teachers Outside the Teaching Profession
- Careers in Counseling and Human Services
- Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You
- Extraordinary Jobs in the Service Sector
- Great Jobs for Psychology Majors
- Great Jobs for Sociology Majors
- Real People Working in Helping Professions
- Peterson’s Graduate Programs in Humanities, Arts & Sciences
Professional & Rivier University Resources Related to Human Development
Career Related Websites for Human Development Majors
- Human Services Careers - Sociology Majors/Psychology Majors (Includes informational links, graduate school info, types of jobs available, professional organizations, and job links - from the Web Exchange)
- Careers in Counseling and Human Development (From the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay - includes job titles, job descriptions, and qualifications needed for career options with a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and PhD)
- Human Resource Careers on the Web
- Good Works: A Guide to Social Change Careers
(Links to Social Change Organizations, Career Resource Lists, & Online Job Search)
- Internet Resources for Sociology and Social Work
- The New Social Worker Online Career Center The Magazine for Social Work Students and New Graduates Career and Employment Info)
- Mental Health Net (Professional Employment Resources)
- Internet Mental Health (Encyclopedia of Mental Health Information)
- Social Service and Social Work Jobs (Search jobs submitted by social service employers in every state)