Youth directors develop, implement, and lead youth programs. Explore the youth director job description and how it makes a positive impact on young people.
Human Development and Family Studies CareersHuman Development and Family Studies CareersHuman Development and Family Studies Careers
Societal trends are shifting, social issues are becoming increasingly complex, and today’s household structures are more diverse than ever. As such, job openings for qualified human development and family studies graduates are growing fast.
Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Development and Family Studies program has been designed to provide graduates with a broad understanding of individual and family dynamics. This helps graduates position themselves as viable candidates in various industries, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and childcare centers.
Industries Hiring BA Human Development and Family Studies Graduates
There are numerous employers that hire HDFS graduates, such as assisted living communities, nursing homes, youth organizations, after-school care centers, treatment centers and shelters, and in-home care/virtual care environments.
While salaries can vary based on individual experience and location, PayScale data indicates that as of March 2020, career paths for HDFS graduates are as diverse as they are varied. Examples of career opportunities in this field include office manager, counselor, customer service manager, and nonprofit organization program coordinator. Other possible career paths, such as certified child life specialist and certified family life educator, are also available, but require further education or certification.
Position | Median Annual Salary |
Youth counselor | $36,726 |
$43,054 | |
$43,000 | |
$42,542 | |
$45,000 |
Popular B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies Careers
Graduates from Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies program can choose from various careers across numerous industries. The most popular career paths include childcare or preschool director, community service manager, and medical and health service manager. Other popular careers that may require additional study or certifications include mental health or behavioral health counselor and substance abuse counselor.
- Preschool and childcare center director. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average occupation. The BLS further indicates that as of May 2019, the median annual salary for people working in this field was $48,210, although earners who have additional education and/or experience reported annual salaries in excess of $82,590. Aspiring preschool and childcare center directors will find that developing additional skills can help them be successful in interacting with staff, parents, and children. Examples include strong written and verbal communication skills and leadership capabilities.
- Community service manager. The BLS projects that employment of community service managers will grow by 13% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average occupation. As of May 2019, the median annual salary for this career path was $67,150, although earners who have additional education and/or experience reported earnings of more than $112,480 per year. Students interested in this field will need various hard and soft skills to be successful, including analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Mental health or behavioral health counselor. This popular career path is an option for HDFS graduates who are interested in also completing an advanced degree and professional certification. The BLS projects job growth in this field at 22% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average occupation. Further, as of May 2019, the BLS found that the median annual salary for mental health and behavioral health counselors was $46,240, although earners who have additional education and/or experience reported salaries of more than $76,080. Aspiring mental health and behavioral health counselors will need to develop strong analytical skills, written and communication skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, and organizational capabilities.
- Substance abuse counselor. Although completing a human development and family studies degree is a strong starting point for this career path, aspiring substance abuse counselors often need to complete an advanced degree to be eligible for jobs in this field. The BLS classifies substance abuse counselors in the same category as mental health and behavioral health counselors, which means that the job growth and median annual earnings are similar. As of May 2019, the BLS projects jobs in this field to grow by 22% between 2018 and 2028. Although May 2019 data indicates that the median annual salary for this position was $46,240, earners who have additional education and/or experience reported annual earnings in excess of $76,080. Professionals who wish to pursue substance/addiction counselor jobs will find that developing additional skills will help them be successful. Examples include empathy, emotional intelligence, written and verbal communication skills, organizational capabilities, and time management skills.
- Health and social services manager. Governmental agencies and private organizations require health and social services managers, as do community care clinics. Health and social services managers oversee the agency or organization’s operations, including all aspects of the hiring process, budgeting, billing, compliance, and client satisfaction. They may also handle outreach programs, such as health or wellness events. Managers who work in governmental agencies are likely to receive the highest pay.The average salary for a health and social services manager is approximately $55,000 annually.Skills recommended to succeed:
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Understanding ethical and multicultural issues
- Marketing and advertising
Your Career in Human Development and Family Studies Awaits
Are you ready to develop an educational foundation that can prepare you for growth in your current field, graduate studies, and professional certification? Let’s be brave together. Discover how Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies can help prepare you for various careers in this fast-growing field.
Sources
PayScale, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Human Development & Family Studies Degree
PayScale, Average Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Salary
PayScale, Average Mental Health Counselor Salary
PayScale, Average Patient Advocate Salary
PayScale, Average Program Coordinator (Nonprofit) Salary
PayScale, Salary for Certification, Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
PayScale, Average Youth Counselor Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool and Childcare Center Directors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
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