 |
COE Home | UH Home | COE Search |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours are required for the HDFS major? The current degree plan requires at least 120 hours regardless of minor or certification. What are the degree options? Why would I wish to minor in HDFS? A minor in HDFS provides students with the theoretical foundation needed for working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Students gain an appreciation for the impact of systematic influences upon people's lives.
Can I be certified to teach with this major? Yes, students can choose to be certified to teach Early Childhood or Special Education. This alternative is not necessarily a part of the major but may be chosen in place of a minor. What if I don't want to teach or be certified with American Humanics? Students who graduate with HDFS degrees go on to work in a variety of fields, including day care and social services positions that do not require these certifications. Many graduates work with Child Protective Services or as Probation Officers. HDFS graduates are prepared for a variety of graduate fields, particularly within Counseling, Social Work, and Education. A relevant minor is often the “fast track” for students interested in these options. Appropriate minors vary depending on individual student interests, but Psychology, Nutrition, Health, and Modern Languages are popular choices. How many hours are required for a minor in HDFS? A minor in HDFS requires 15 semester hours. How do I declare my major or minor with HDFS? Students should fill out a general petition and request a degree plan be filled out for them. These may be picked up in 491 Farish Hall. What do I do when I need to be advised? Students should feel free to seek advising at any point, both as prospective majors and as declared majors. If declared majors wish to be advised concerning which classes to take during a particular semester, they should request a degree plan update from the advisors well in advance. Many students make such requests at the same time, and accurate advising requires preparation. Walk-in advising is available Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in 491 Farish Hall. To schedule an appointment, call (713)743-4999. What do I do if I want to use courses I have taken at another university to count as courses on my HDFS degree plan? If the transfer office concludes that the transfer courses are equivalent, the classes will automatically be counted on the degree plan by the advisors. If the courses transfer less specifically, students may petition to have courses reevaluated by the department. However, each department makes its own decisions. Thus, a student may petition a course classified as “HDFS ELECTIVE” with our department to count it as a specific HDFS course. If the course is a “HIST ELECTIVE” and the student feels the course is equivalent to a history course, that department would make the decision, not HDFS. At a minimum, departments need a course description and would prefer a syllabus in order to make a decision. How do internships work? Internships give HDFS students an opportunity to apply what they have learned throughout their studies in a realistic setting. These courses are the capstone to the degree and are reserved for seniors. Students must submit an application packet by the proper deadline in order to participate in the internship courses. There are two kinds of internships: American Humanics internships and HDFS internships. If a student enrolls in American Humanics and completes that internship, the HDFS internship is waived. The American Humanics internship involves 480 hours in a community organization. All other HDFS students complete 300 hours at the Charter School. Human Development and Family Studies Course Rotation Schedule
* Or consent of instructor |
 |
|