缅因大学

Why study Child Development and Family Relations at the University of Maine?

• We are the only Child Development and Family Relations program in the University of Maine system. The purpose of the program is to help students understand how people develop physically, emotionally and intellectually throughout their lives. We train our graduates to examine how relationships form in society and how they can help families in need.
• We focus on diversity, teaching students to work with children and families from marginalized groups and many walks of life. Our work aligns with state and federal priorities to assist our nation’s most vulnerable members: Infants and young children, at-risk youth, families in poverty, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and cultural minorities.
• We have a broad degree program to appeal to a variety of interests. Students who are interested in helping others, advocating for social change, and contributing to stronger and healthier communities will find the program to be an excellent path to a fulfilling career, whatever direction they choose.
• We focus on lifespan, from cradle to grave. From conception to adolescence to adult development and aging—we cover broad issues of family relationships, public policy, diversity and cross-cultural perspectives.

What can I do with a degree in child development and family relations?
Possible career paths include:

• Daycare staff/owner
• Family support professional
• Crisis worker
• Child life specialist
• Parent educator
• Family/child advocate
• Preschool teacher
• Family resource coordinator
• Youth counselor
• Family respite worker
• Family Life Educator
• Early Intervention
• Case/care manager
• Activity/recreation director
• Cooperative Extension Staff

Many students go on to obtain graduate degrees in areas of study, including:

• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Law
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Administration/Nonprofit Leadership
• Psychology/Certified Professional Counselor
• Social Work
• Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• School Counseling
• Speech Pathology
• Reading/Literacy Specialist

The Individual and Family Studies concentration in the Child Development and Family Relations major offers a set of core courses that provide a strong foundation for careers in fields such as social services, family planning and intervention programs.

Our nationally recognized program guides students in studying how people develop and how families form with an emphasis on interpersonal relationships, cultural diversity and public policy. We take a cradle-to-grave approach that explores individuals across their lifespan, from birth to aging to end of life. Our faculty members are affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the National Council on Family Relations, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, the American Psychological Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Students gain research skills and get hands-on experience through internships and field experience. Graduates will have a grasp of the basic theoretical and applied knowledge necessary for serving individuals and families. The Individual and Family Studies program is excellent preparation for professions such as family support worker, child/family advocate and case/care manager.