Virginia Tech® home

Human Development Major

What is a Major in Human Development?

This discipline studies how humans learn and develop, from birth through old age and in many specific contexts. Researchers might look at how children are affected when their parents are incarcerated or how close friendships change as we grow older. The field mixes principles of psychology, sociology, and health to study and improve people's daily life experiences.

Why Study Human Development at Virginia Tech?

You'll learn about the physical, social, and cognitive areas of development and serve others through a hands-on field experience at our Adult Day Services or child development centers, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, a local free clinic, or other social services programs. A few examples of typical careers for human development majors (which may require graduate or professional study and/or licensure) includes teachers, school counselors, speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and non-profit professionals.

 
#2
Ranking Among HD Programs in the U.S.

 
22
Average Class Size

 
100%
Of Our Students Complete Fieldwork

Careers and Further Study

What Can You Do with a major in Human Development?

Jobs Held by Our Graduates

  • Case managers
  • Community support professionals
  • Teachers
  • School counselors
  • Activities directors at nursing homes
  • Behavioral counselors
  • Social workers
  • Youth advisors
  • Sexual assault advocates

Beyond the Classroom

Experiential Learning

Get Experience

Our program includes a field study experience to observe and participate in the work of human services. You'll get the chance to see first-hand what the work is like, and learn the challenges and triumphs people in the helping professions deal with every day. 

collaborate
Learn With Us

We have four centers that serve as living laboratories where we train students in the human services professions, serve the community, and conduct research that improves people's lives and sets new standards for the care industry.

collaborate
Faculty Mentor

You'll learn to perform top-notch research with our faculty, who have a reputation among their peers for designing complex research studies. Talk to a professor about designing your own research project or investigating a topic that interests you. You'll work closely with a faculty mentor to plan a course of action, discuss your findings, and write a report. You can also assist a faculty member with their research project. 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

collaborate

Bachelor of Science in Human Development Degree

Human Development Major Requirements

  • Childhood and Adolescence
  • Adulthood and Aging
  • Family Relationships
  • Principles of Human Services
  • Family Financial Management

Minor and Elective Hours

Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.


120 hrs
B.S. Human Development

45 hrs
General Education

48 hrs
Major Requirements

30 hrs
Elective


 

Campus Life

Virtual Tour

Explore the university through either a guided or self-guided virtual tour.

Campus Life

Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.