COLLEGE OF APPLIED & NATURAL SCIENCES
Undergraduate Programs
Human Development and Family Science
The Louisiana Tech program in Human Development and Family Science is designed for students with a passion for enhancing the lives of individuals and families. Our faculty members are committed to helping students enter their careers or graduate education with an unparalleled foundation in both academic knowledge and practical experience so they will be fully prepared to make a positive difference in those they will help. Each concentration includes 240 field hours of practicum.
Graduates can work in a variety of areas from social-service agencies to faith-based organizations to work with government policy. This program gives students the ability to focus on the nature of relationships, ways to help develop positive relationships, and ways to help others improve and have a better life. All three concentrations prepare students for additional graduate studies.
Human Development and Family Science Curriculum
Human Development and Family Science – Child Development Specialist Concentration
The Child Development Specialist Concentration prepares students to work with children from birth through adolescence in a variety of settings. This is not a teacher certification program, but it does prepare students for the opportunity to obtain teaching credentials.
Job Opportunities
- Youth services/activities
- Child/family advocacy agencies
- Education centers
- Social service agencies
- Head Start programs
- Non-profit and/or faith-based organizations
- Child protective services
- Child care facilities
- Residential facilities
- Child development or parent education training facilities
- Community organizations
Graduate school Opportunities
Graduates are prepared to apply for graduate school in areas such as social work, education, counseling (community, school, marriage, and family therapy), human and child development, or psychology.
Human Development and Family Science – Child Life Concentration
The Child Life Concentration prepares students to become child life specialists. Graduates must complete an internship and pass a national certification examination to become Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS). This academic program lays the groundwork for that certification.
Job Opportunities
- Youth services/activities
- Child/family advocacy agencies
- Education centers
- Social service agencies
- Head Start programs
- Non-profit and/or faith-based organizations
- Child protective services
- Child care facilities
- Residential facilities
- Child development or parent education training facilities
- Community organizations
Graduate school opportunities
Graduates are prepared to apply for graduate school in areas such as social work, education, counseling (community, school, marriage, and family therapy), human and child development, or psychology.
Human Development and Family Science – Family Science Concentration
Program Highlights: Prepares students to work with families in a variety of settings, including Upon completion of the undergraduate degree and course requirements, graduates are eligible for certification as a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations.
Job Opportunities
- Family service and youth agencies
- Aging facilities
- Family life education
- Cooperative extension
- Employee assistance programs
- Law or public policy
Graduate school opportunities
Many students completing this concentration pursue graduate studies in family studies, child development, counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, gerontology, early intervention, or seminary.
Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies
The academic program in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies is created for students interested in development, visual merchandising, wholesale and retail sales, and merchandising buying and management. Our courses focus on textiles, product quality, consumer selections, buying, promotions, event planning, multi-channel retail and visual merchandising. Students will gain practical experience through service learning in partnerships with industry leaders and computer application.
Job Opportunities
- Area sales manager
- Assistant buyer, fashion editor, store manager
- Display or fashion coordinator
- Fashion event planning and design
- Marketing and promotion
- Production development coordinator or production manager
- Retail buyer or retail promotions
- Retail store manager
- Sports marketing and merchandising
- Store planner and designer
- Stylist
Nutrition and Dietetics
Louisiana Tech University’s programs in Nutrition and Dietetics provide students with expertise in nutrition, food systems management, diet therapy, community nutrition, and experimental methods in food science. Completion of an accredited dietetic internship is required in order to be eligible to take the national examination to be a registered dietitian. Tech offers an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited dietetic internship.
Job Opportunities
- Dietitian in general clinical practice
- Clinical dietitian in a speciality area (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal/dialysis, surgery, pediatrics, nutrition support)
- Clinical nutrition management
- Public health nutritionist
- Women’s, infants, and children nutrition program nutritionist
- Weight management nutritionist
- Home healthcare dietitian
- Private practitioner
- Hospital, commercial, correctional facility, or school food service administrator
- Sales representative for food or pharmaceutical sales
- Food buyer or distributor
- Research nutritionist
- Nutrition educator