Family Science and Human Development
Photo of student helping child write with markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in Family Science and Human Development?

What can I do with a Family Science and Human Development(FSHD) degree?
Students who graduate with a BA in Family Science and Human Development find jobs in social service agencies, counseling, consumer protection, wellness and healthcare settings, gerontology, government and public policy, or community-based organizations, and many students become teachers certified in elementary (K-6) or early childhood (P-3) education. Our alumni also pursue graduate studies in their own specific areas of interest. This helpful summary highlights the spectrum of career options.
I want to work with children, families and/or adults. Is Family Science and Human Development right for me? Which concentration should I choose?
When it comes to working with individuals and families, there are so many possibilities! Our teaching track, the Families, Children and School Settings concentration, puts you on the path to becoming a teacher. The Family Services concentration opens doors to a multitude of careers (see previous question). We recommend you meet with an Academic Advisor in the CCHL Student Success Center in University Hall 1180. You can reach them at CCHLadvising@montclair.edu or 973-655-7866.

The best way to start exploring this field is to take FSHD 200, Introduction to Content Areas in FSHD, which provides a great overview.
I’m interested in Family Science and Human Development, but I’m majoring in something else. How can I explore this area?
Family Science and Human Development touches every field where families are involved. We offer an interdisciplinary Minor in FSHD that provides an in-depth understanding of individuals, families and communities by exploring multiple perspectives from social sciences and human services. This minor is ideal for students pursuing careers in any discipline related to supporting children and families, including art or music therapy, psychology, nutrition, public health, sociology, social work, speech, law, GLBTQ studies, and many more.
Our Minor in Gerontology studies the social, cultural, psychological and physical changes associated with aging, and is appropriate for students from most majors. This minor is distinctive in that it includes several service-learning courses which integrate academic coursework with “hands-on” learning opportunities in a variety of community-based organizations.
To declare a minor, fill out a Major/Minor Change Request Form available online in Nest.
How do I change my major to Family Science and Human Development?
All prospective FSHD students are required to meet with our advising staff to ensure that you fully understand the scope of the major and receive adequate advising and support in declaring the new major. Our Academic Advisors can assist you in exploring options that are right for you. Contact them via email at CCHLadvising@montclair.edu, phone at 973-655-7866, or stop by the Student Success Center in University Hall 1180 to make an appointment.

Interested in Teaching?

I want to be certified as an elementary school teacher. Is Family Science and Human Development the right major for me?
Family Science and Human Development is one of a dozen MSU majors that support the K-6 elementary school certification, and the only one offering early childhood education (P-3). Our teaching track, the concentration in Families, Children, and School Settings, enables you to pursue your teacher certification. The Center of Pedagogy website provides more information about the Teacher Education Program.
Where should I direct questions about teacher education courses, student teaching or teacher certification requirements?
Please visit the Center of Pedagogy website for more information or contact the Department of Teaching and Learning (973-655-5407 or 973-655-7360).  The Office of Teacher Education can also provide assistance.
Who can help me with questions about the Praxis exam?
For information about the Praxis, contact the Center of Pedagogy, 973-655-4262.

Already an FSHD student?

I’m a new transfer student in the FSHD major. Who can help me get started?
Congratulations on your acceptance to Montclair and the Family Science and Human Development major! Your first step towards academic success is registering for classes, which you can do after meeting with our Department Administrator Shannon Bellum. Make an appointment with her at bellums.youcanbook.me. If you have any issues making an appointment, please email bellums@montclair.edu for assistance.
Who is my FSHD faculty or academic advisor?
Your faculty advisor’s name and contact information are listed in Degree Works (accessed through NEST). If no FSHD advisor is assigned to you, please email FSHD@montclair.edu, call 973-655-4171, or drop by the department office in University Hall Room 4144. Your faculty advisor can provide guidance about your post-college goals such as grad school and career options. For assistance with academic planning, selecting FSHD courses to meet the requirements of your specific concentration, or your general education requirements, contact your Academic Advisor listed in Degree Works or the Student Success Center in University Hall 1180, via email at CCHLadvising@montclair.edu or phone 973-655-7866.

How do I switch concentrations within the FSHD major?
FSHD students are required to meet with our advising staff to ensure that you fully understand the scope of the new concentration and receive adequate advising and support. Your Acaemic Adisor can assist you in understand the options. Make an appointment at the Student Success Center in University Hall 1180, via email at CCHLadvising@montclair.edu or phone 973-655-7866. If you are eligible to switch concentrations, you will then be directed to complete the online Major/Minor Change Request Form.
I have credits from another college that might fulfill the FSHD requirements. How do I get them counted?
Complete the Undergraduate Credit Adjustment Request in Self-Service Banner (accessed through Nest). The request must be approved by the department chair and the dean before being processed by the Registrar’s Office, so please allow one to two weeks for the course review to be conducted.
What if NEST indicates that I need prerequisite courses?
Prerequisites provide the knowledge you will need for subsequent courses. You must complete those prerequisites before taking the next level courses. Your academic advisor can help you plan in advance so that you get prerequisites out of the way early.
In rare instances, students have completed the prerequisites elsewhere. In these cases, email your override request to FSHDregister@montclair.edu.
Can I register for FSHD courses that are closed?
When a course is closed, you may add yourself to the Waiting List during the registration process. If a seat opens up, you will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to accept or decline the spot. We suggest that you also meet with an advisor to consider other options.

If you and your advisor have determined there aren’t any other courses you can take, email a request to overload the course to FSHDregister@montclair.edu. Only a small number of overloads are granted each semester, and there are some courses where it isn’t possible to overload at all.

What happens with the overload/override email once I send it?
Your request is thoroughly reviewed. Your academic progress is examined and any personal issues that have a bearing on your schedule are also considered. A very small number of overloads are granted each semester, and there are some courses where it isn’t possible to overload at all.
Why do some courses indicate “Departmental permission” is needed?
Courses that require “Departmental permission” are usually being run for a select group of students who have been contacted by our Department Administrator Shannon Bellum regarding instructions for registration. If you believe you should have been contacted by her regarding course permission but were not, email BellumS@montclair.edu.
I am an FSHD major interested in other subject areas. How can I earn a minor in another department?
It is not necessary to have a minor, but our students often pursue minors in different areas based on passion or interests not covered in FSHD. For example, students who plan to earn a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology might minor in that area. Or students who plan to start their own business or nonprofit might choose a minor in Entrepreneurship. Contact the department that offers the minor to learn what the current requirements are, and submit a Major/Minor Change Request Form  (available through Nest) to that department for approval and signature.
Can I pursue a PhD in this field at Montclair?
Yes, you can!  Our PhD in Family Science and Human Development is the only program of its kind in New Jersey. Once you’ve earned your Master’s Degree, contact our Doctoral Program staff at PhDfamily@montclair.edu for details. (Montclair State University does not offer a Master’s Degree in FSHD.)
Where can I direct additional questions about FSHD concentrations and minors?
See your faculty advisor or make an appointment with an Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center in University Hall 1180 via email at CCHLadvising@montclair.edu or phone 973-655-7866.