Human services is a broad field focused on helping individuals through direct services and access to resources. It includes professionals who work in counseling, social work and educational support roles. Many people who successfully pursue human services careers are proficient in human development, meaning they understand how people grow, change, and adapt throughout the stages of life, from early childhood through adulthood.
Human services professionals often work with individuals whose needs are shaped by developmental factors such as their age, environment, family dynamics and access to resources. Gaining a strong grounding in human development, such as through a bachelor’s degree program, can help individuals prepare for a range of careers in this field.
What a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development Program Entails
A bachelor’s degree program in human development provides students with foundational knowledge of human developmental processes, including biological, cognitive and psychosocial processes. Students learn how these developmental processes interact and influence an individual’s life course, as well as how to recognize both common patterns and individual differences in people’s development.
Coursework in human development programs explores various development theories and emphasizes how those theories can be applied in professional settings. Students gain an understanding of research methods and statistics, which are key to the work of many professionals in the human development field. Additionally, the curriculum addresses issues of equality and social justice and prepares students to navigate sensitive cultural issues when working with diverse populations.
Core and elective courses often cover topics that include:
- Introduction to psychology
- Introduction to sociology
- Lifespan development
- Understanding research in human development
- Introductory statistics in human development
- Individual and community well-being
- Development and behavior
- Education and culture
Many human development programs let students select a concentration aligned with their interests, and include field-based learning experiences, such as internships, research participation and independent study opportunities.
Human Services Career Options
Graduates with a human development degree can pursue a variety of career paths that align with their interests and chosen concentration. Following are four potential human services career options:
1) Behavioral Specialist
Behavioral specialists work with people experiencing behavioral challenges, conducting assessments of their issues and creating tailored treatment plans for them. These professionals often work in schools or independent practice settings and support clients as they implement their treatment plans. They also maintain detailed records of their clients’ progress, work with clients’ families and may coordinate clients’ care with other providers.
Depending on the employer and position, becoming a behavioral specialist may require additional education, such as a master’s degree in behavioral health, social work, psychology or a related field, along with professional certifications. Behavioral specialists commonly rely on strong communication skills, empathy, knowledge of behavioral health treatments and conditions, and the ability to work in high-stress environments.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for behavioral specialists was about $53,000 in 2025.
2) Child Development Consultant
Child development consultants support children’s healthy early development by working with children who have developmental delays or challenges and their families, teachers and health care providers. They assess the children’s developmental concerns, create treatment plans for them and educate their families about the children’s developmental milestones and available resources. These professionals also guide families through their children’s treatment or support plans.
Child development consultants work in schools, hospitals, private practices and early intervention programs. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many employers require candidates to have a master’s degree in child development or a similar field along with licensure or a certification, depending on state requirements.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for educational consultants with childhood education skills was around $85,000 in 2025.
3) Program Evaluator
Program evaluators assess whether organizational programs are meeting their established goals and operating within budget. In human services settings, they may focus on programs serving children, such as early development initiatives or programs at educational institutions. Their work involves analyzing program data, measuring the program’s effectiveness and sharing their recommendations for improvements with organizational leaders.
While a master’s degree is not always required, some employers prefer candidates with an advanced degree. Credentials offered by professional organizations such as the American Evaluation Association can enhance employability. Strong analytical, financial and interpersonal skills are valuable in this role.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for program evaluators was about $71,000 in 2025.
4) Academic Advisor
Academic advisors support students in school environments, often helping them plan for graduation and beyond. They also assist students in navigating social and behavioral challenges that may affect their academic performance. Academic advisors analyze factors such as students’ attendance, home environment and study habits, and work with students to improve their time management and learning habits.
Many states require academic advisors to hold a master’s degree, and some positions may require licensure, a certification or a teaching license. Effective academic advisors typically demonstrate compassion as well as strong analytical thinking and communication skills.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for academic advisors was approximately $50,000 in 2025.
Make a Difference With a Human Services Career
Pursuing a human services career gives you the opportunity to support people across multiple stages of life. Earning a bachelor’s degree in human development can serve as a foundation for roles in education, community service and other areas focused on individual growth and well-being.
The University at Albany’s Bachelor of Science in Human Development degree program offers coursework in biological, cognitive and psychosocial development, along with multiple concentration options that allow students to align their studies with their career goals. All concentrations are available on campus, with the program’s Psychological Studies of Learning and Development track also available online.
Students in UAlbany’s human development bachelor’s program also have the option to combine their undergraduate degree with a master’s degree in a field such as mental health counseling or higher education, enabling them to earn both degrees in a shorter time frame.
Discover the difference a human services career can make with UAlbany.
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