Human Development and Family Studies Major: Early Childhood Education Option (Teacher Licensure) (B.S.)

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is an academic discipline focused on understanding the development of individuals and families over time and across the ecological contexts in which they live. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Licensure option within the major provides an applied focus on preparing students for careers as early childhood (birth - third grade) educators in childcare centers, preschools, and elementary schools. The ECE Teacher Licensure curriculum offers students the opportunity to take courses on infant and child development, working with children with special needs, teaching and learning in early care and education settings, observation and assessment of children, and building strong family-school-community partnerships. Additionally, students take subject-area coursework focused on developing the skills needed to teach math, science, social studies, and literacy. The principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are woven throughout every course and internship experience to prepare students for inclusive educational practice.

As a major public research university, UNH emphasizes hands-on experience and research opportunities for undergraduate students. Students within the HDFS Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure option are provided with opportunities to put theory and research into practice through practicum and internship coursework at the Child Study and Development Center and a required full-year student teaching internship in a Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classroom.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

The core curriculum required of each Human Development and Family Studies student is designed to give a broad introduction to individual and family development and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan. Building off this curriculum, each student can specialize in one of three options, Child Development, Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure, or Family and Lifespan Development which guide further required coursework. Faculty advisors support students in selecting coursework to best prepare them for their specific career objectives. In their senior year, students complete a capstone course and may participate in a year-long community-based internship experience.

Candidates for the Human Development and Family Studies degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery and Writing Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of the major/option.

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All students in the Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure option must meet state student-teaching requirements (basic academic skills assessment and criminal background check) and minimum 3.2 overall and major GPA and course progression requirements (B- or better in all option courses) confirmed through application during the spring of their junior year. Students who do not meet requirements will be transitioned to the Child Development option. Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure will be eligible for recommendation to the NH Department of Education for Early Childhood Education (N-3) certification. Certification by the NH Department of Education also depends on meeting state subject area testing requirements and criminal background check.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

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Students should enroll in each listed course only once.

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Students may use these credit hours towards a minor, accelerated master's program (senior year if applicable), or as general elective coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Use theoretical frameworks and empirical research to understand and explain child/lifespan development, family process and the interaction of individuals and families with society.
• Recognize and respect a diversity of family forms and processes. Understand how human development and family interactions are shaped by diverse personal contexts and cultures. Understand and be aware of one’s own biases, beliefs, and values.
• Understand ethical decision-making processes, and ethical standards and principles relevant to our discipline. Positively represent the profession in academic, professional and community settings.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However,  completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.