Unlock Your Future in Human Development and Family Studies: Thriving Careers Await!
Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) faculty jobs offer rewarding opportunities to shape the next generation through research on lifespan development, family dynamics, and social interventions. Whether you're a student eyeing graduate programs or a seasoned professor seeking tenure-track roles, this field blends psychology, sociology, and education for impactful work. Dive into higher ed jobs where experts study child development quirks like bilingual family resilience or aging in rural locales.
From extension specialists addressing real-world family policy to researchers at land-grant universities like NC State's pioneering programs, HDFS roles emphasize practical application. Students, consider bachelor's in HDFS leading to master's for counseling or PhDs for academia—check rate my professor reviews in Human Development and Family Studies to find inspiring mentors. Professors, explore professor jobs with salaries averaging $85,000 for assistants, per recent data. Trends show 8% growth through 2032, fueled by family support demands post-pandemic. Start your search on AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs faculty listings today.
What Students Should Study in Human Development and Family Studies
Aspiring HDFS professionals begin with undergraduate degrees covering child, adolescent, and family development. Key courses include family resource management and cultural diversity in families. Fringe quirk: Programs like Purdue's integrate gerontology for aging family studies, unique in Midwest locales. Graduates pursue careers in child welfare or therapy; link your path via higher ed career advice.
Top HDFS Degree Paths
- BS/BA in HDFS: Foundation for entry-level roles.
- MS: Prepares for extension or counseling jobs.
- PhD: Essential for professor jobs and research.
Faculty Opportunities in Human Development and Family Studies
Tenure-track positions dominate, with 2023 postings up 12% at R1 universities. Unique anecdote: Cornell's Bronfenbrenner Center hires for translational research on family stress in immigrant communities—a niche blending policy and practice. Adjuncts fill gaps in community colleges; browse adjunct professor jobs. Rate top faculty via rate my professor Human Development and Family Studies for prestige insights.
Postdocs abound in NIH-funded family intervention studies. Location hotspots: California (US CA jobs) and Texas lead hires.
Salaries and Earnings in HDFS Academia
Assistant professors earn $75,000-$95,000 median (BLS 2023), associates $95,000-$120,000, full $130,000+. Quirks: Extension roles at land-grants pay 10% less but offer fieldwork perks. Northeast locales boost pay 15%; explore details at professor salaries. Compare via university salaries.
| Role | Median Salary (2023) | Growth Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $85,000 | 8% |
| Associate Professor | $105,000 | 8% |
| Extension Specialist | $78,000 | 10% |
Trends and Prestige in HDFS
HDFS prestige rises with interdisciplinary ties to public health; top programs at Utah State rank high for family therapy research. Post-2020, remote hybrid roles surged 20%. Students, boost resumes with research assistant jobs; faculty, leverage recruitment tools. Check rate my professor for Human Development and Family Studies standouts like those pioneering LGBTQ+ family studies.
Emerging Niches
- Family tech interventions (apps for co-parenting).
- Rural aging dynamics in Appalachia programs.
- Global migration family impacts.
Parents, guide your students toward scholarships in HDFS. Job seekers, visit higher ed jobs for listings.
Associations for Human Development and Family Studies
Society for Research in Child Development
A multidisciplinary, not-for-profit professional association that promotes research on child development and its application to improve the lives of children and families.
National Council on Family Relations
A professional organization dedicated to understanding and strengthening families through research, education, and policy.
International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development
An international organization that promotes scientific research on human development across the life span and fosters the exchange of information among developmental scientists worldwide.
European Association for Developmental Psychology
A society that advances research and collaboration in developmental psychology across Europe, focusing on human development from infancy to old age.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
A professional association that advances the practice of marriage and family therapy through education, research, and advocacy.
Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
A national organization that supports and promotes the profession of marriage and family therapy in Canada through standards, education, and advocacy.
Australian Association of Family Therapy
A professional body that promotes the development and practice of family therapy in Australia through training, accreditation, and networking.








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