A general human sciences major may find jobs in marriage and family therapy, nutrition, or teaching. The degree level can vary, but most jobs for these individuals require at least a bachelor's degree.
Essential Information
While many colleges and universities have human sciences departments or divisions, few feature degree programs specifically in human sciences. Instead, programs offered under the umbrella of human sciences cover a variety of related yet diverse fields of study, including nutritional and social sciences, fashion and interior design, human development and family studies, hospitality and retail management, and teaching. Coursework common to these programs might include:
- Adulthood and aging
- Life cycle nutrition
- Psychosocial development
- Research methodology
- Work and family
| Career Titles | Marriage & Family Therapists | Nutritionists | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Requirements | Master's degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work or counseling | Bachelor's degree in dietetics, clinical nutrition or food service systems management | Bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences education |
| Licensure Requirements | Most states require licensure | Most states require licensure | State licensure required to teach in public schools |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 22% | 8% for dietitians and nutritionists | 2% for career and technical education teachers |
| Median Annual Salary (2020)* | $51,340 | $63,090 for dietitians and nutritionists | $62,460 for career and technical education teachers, secondary school |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
A degree in a human sciences-related field could lead to work in dozens of fields. Graduates might pursue opportunities such as marriage and family therapist, nutritionist or family and consumer sciences teacher.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) use their knowledge of human psychology, childhood development and conflict resolution techniques to help families and married couples restore emotional balance in their relationships. They might employ strategies such as group therapy sessions, guided behavior modification or referral to psychiatric professionals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), increasing coverage from insurance companies for marriage and family therapy could contribute to job growth for these therapists from 2019-2029, which is much faster than average (www.bls.gov). In May 2020, MFTs made a median annual salary of $51,340.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists are experts on how foods affect the human body. They design eating regimens for athletes, patients and clients, help people make informed decisions about their eating habits and prepare reports about the nutritional offerings of student cafeterias.
The BLS reported that dietitians and nutritionists could see a job growth much faster than average from 2019-2029 as more Americans become interested in the benefits of a healthy diet. The median salary for nutritionists and dietitians in May 2020 was $63,090.
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Family and consumer sciences teachers instruct students in life skills, such as budgeting, cooking, caring for children and sewing. They typically work at the middle or high school levels and have many of the same responsibilities as core teachers, including developing lesson plans, grading tests and assignments, and maintaining a safe and engaging classroom environment.
BLS projected that job growth for all career and technical education teachers will decline over the 2019-2029 decade. The bureau also reported that CTE teachers in secondary schools earned a median salary of $62,460 as of May 2020.
Human sciences is a broad discipline that typically encompasses social sciences, humanities, and possibly psychology. A graduate in this field may become a nutritionist, therapist, or family and consumer sciences teacher. Most of these jobs require licensure.
