What can I do with a major in human development?
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Licensed Professional Counselor and Play Therapist
Examples of where alumni in your major are working
Companies:
Career Services, Colgate University
Institute for Community Living
Catholic Charities Community Services
Titles:
Case Manager
Parent Educator
Outreach Coordinator
Explore the numerous career fields related to your major
Areas
Teaching
Administration
Employers
Church/religious organizations
Montessori schools
Private, public, franchise, and corporate daycare centers
Private homes
Family daycare
Extended school programs
Information/Strategies
Develop physical stamina for working with children.
Acquire certification/licensing for daycare and public school teaching.
Areas
Employers
Community centers
YMCA, YWCA
Consumer protection agencies
Summer camp programs
Adult and child daycare providers
Programs servicing children and adults with special needs
Hospitals
Rehabilitation organizations
Retirement homes
Travel agencies
Insurance companies
Church/religious organizations
Information/Strategies
Seek related work experience particularly summer camps or special needs areas.
Obtain Child Life Certification for some areas.
Areas
Employers
Profit & nonprofit organizations geared to services for children, youth, families or senior citizens
Adult and child daycare providers
Senior citizens’ programs
Group homes
Half-way houses
Youth services agencies
Federal, state and local government particularly Departments of Welfare and Health
Foundations and funding organizations
Information/Strategies
Take counseling/social work courses as minor or double major.
Obtain a master’s degree in counseling, social work or rehabilitation counseling to provide therapy.
Get a graduate degree for most administrative positions.
Learn federal, state and local government application process.
Areas
Teaching
Research
Counseling
Administration
Home Economics
Vocational Rehabilitation
Parent-Child Education
Curriculum Development
Early Childhood Special Education
Employers
Public and private schools K-12
Public preschool programs, e.g., Head Start
Private preschool programs
Adult education programs
Colleges and universities
Programs servicing children and adults with special needs
Montessori schools
Government
Information/Strategies
Acquire certification/licensing for public school teaching K-12.
Obtain Ph.D. for college and university teaching and research.
Acquire certification for daycare and parent-child education.
Obtain a graduate degree for counseling and administrative positions.
Learn federal and state government job application process.
Double major in Special Education.
Areas
Social Services
Childcare Programs
Advocacy
Education
Employers
Hospitals
Healthcare facilities
Mental heath organizations
Health and wellness agencies
Hospices
Information/Strategies
Take counseling/social work courses.
May need a master’s degree in counseling, social work or specialized area.
Obtain experience in advocacy.
Acquire licensing/certification for some areas.
Areas
Management
Sales
Consulting
Credit Departments
Staff Benefits
Marketing Research
Employers
Corporate care for children and adults
Daycare facilities
Department and retail stores
Manufacturing companies of children’s clothes, toys, furniture and food
Insurance companies
Banks and financial institutions
Information/Strategies
Obtain a minor in business.
Get related experience.
Secure leadership positions on campus.
Develop business skill in finance, accounting, marketing/sales, taxes, and bookkeeping.
Areas
Journalism
Advertising
Public Relations
Writing/Editing
Research
Employers
Advertising agencies
Book publishers
Trade associations
Radio and TV stations
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Manufacturers of related goods
Newspapers and magazines, particularly those geared to children/family
Information/Strategies
Minor or double major in journalism.
Develop excellent grammar, verbal and writing skills.
Submit articles/books for publication.
Areas
Human/Social Services
Rehabilitation
Home Economics
Legislation
Employers
Federal, state and local government agencies including:
- Mental health agencies
- Military child care programs
- Overseas child care and education programs
- Criminal justice system
- Health and wellness agencies
- Women’s protective agencies
Departments of Health, Education and Welfare, Sanitation, Fire/Safety, Nutrition, Cooperative Extension Vocational rehabilitation
Information/Strategies
Learn federal, state and local job application procedures.
Take additional courses in area of interest.
General information and strategies
- A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions.
- Licensure obtained in five–year program for teaching positions.
- Ph.D. degree required for college teaching and advanced research positions.
- A master’s degree or Ph.D. is often needed for administrative and supervisory positions.
- Obtain part-time, summer, internship or volunteer experience in childcare, schools, hospitals, camps, overseas programs, advocacy/service-oriented programs dealing with alcoholism, drug-abuse, family violence, aging, poor, disabled, etc.
- Additional or specialized training qualifies for higher paying and more responsible positions.
- Advanced degrees essential for clinical and therapeutic counseling positions.
- Obtain information on certification for specialized areas including Child Life Specialist, Child Advocacy.
- Develop interest and gain experience in computers, arts, crafts, music, etc.
- Obtain certification in CPR, safety, and first aid for adults, children, and infants.