<p>I'm interested in majoring in Human Development? My ultimate goal is to become a dentist. I thought about choosing a major in biology or something more "science-y"; however, I'm interested more in the human aspect of development and science (hence the career path). </p>
<p>Have any of your children majored in this? Do they like it? I'm interested but I'm not sure if it's what one would call a "useless" degree or something very "easy". </p>
<p>Also, if I don't make it into dental school, what options are there with this degree (besides teaching).</p>
<p>I (and my parents) want me to have a secure career in the future and I'm not sure if pursuing Human Development can take me there.</p>
<p>Human development sounds very much like a more specialized psychology program, and likely has some biological development courses as well. Is there a particular school you are looking at?</p>
<p>Pulled this off a website: </p>
<p>"Popular Career Options
The minimum degree requirement for many careers related to human development is a bachelor’s degree. Those interested in the following careers may need to seek certifications:</p>
<pre><code>Elementary, middle and high school teacher
Social worker
Counseling center assistant
Mental health worker
Police officer
Probation officer
Rehabilitation worker "
</code></pre>
<p>Sounds like many of the same options as a psychology degree. You’ll want to have solid internships for better job prospects. </p>
<p>The psychology portion of this degree will likely be easy for you - I have a BA in psychology and although I spent a lot of time reading and writing, I wouldn’t say anything was particularly difficult.</p>
<p>I’m looking to get into a UC school…but I believe only two have the major.</p>
<p>I’m also applying as a Public Health Sciences major at another school…does anyone know anything about the job prospects after earning such a degree?</p>
<p>The reason why I’m hesitant to apply as Human Development is because I’m afraid that it will be very difficult to find a well-paying job if I’m unable to get into dental school.</p>
<p>Choose the major that most interests you- any should suffice for Dental school as long as you take the required courses for admission. You may want to consider job availability when deciding among fields you like. Do not only consider getting a “well paying job” when choosing a field. Some of the higher paid jobs may be in fields you don’t care for that much- eg computer science.</p>
<p>The Human Development/social sciences option is not the easiest for job prospects without certification in something, or a masters degree. But it is possible if you have solid internships and start looking for jobs well in advance of graduating. </p>
<p>I agree with wis75 - many “safe” majors that lead to high-paying jobs are not ones I found interesting at all, so it would have been painful for me to study them for four years and then even more-so to work in the field. Perhaps if your heart is really set on one of those majors, you could look at cheaper college options so that you graduate with less debt to worry about? </p>
<p>Can you double-major, or minor in HD, or major in HD and minor in something else that will give you a strong skill set?</p>
<p>If I don’t get into dental school then I’ll probably continue my education…I don’t want to just have a bachelor’s. What type of jobs are available with advanced degrees in HD?</p>
<p>I’m thinking of having a minor; however, I’m not sure what would complement a Human Development major. Any ideas?</p>
<p>Check the college websites for job placement and opportunities with the major- you can do that as easily as we can. It sounds like you are still in HS. If so, concentrate on choosing a college with majors that interest you. Many/most entering freshmen will change their intial major. Once you are in college you can visit the career center and learn more, even take interest/aptitude tests to discover job possibilities you haven’t thought of yet. The best college for you is one that has both academics and an outside the classroom lifestyle that suits you. Many work places may not relate to a “human development” major- cross reference the field with other major names used at colleges.</p>