Minor in Child Health and Well-being

Understanding child development and well-being is integral to keeping a child healthy. Similarly, knowing how to interact with children, what questions to ask family members to assess development, and recognizing typical milestones in development by age group are all a part of good health care practice.

The child health and well-being minor combines theoretical and practical approaches to understanding child development and well-being. Coursework in this minor examines child development biologically, psychologically, and socially from birth through age 18. Development is studied in the context of the child’s daily experience, with additional coursework focused on medical settings, special needs challenges, and grief.

The minor requires a minimum of 19 hours: 10 hours of courses on child development, and nine hours of courses examining health and well-being. Six hours of advanced course credit must be distinct from credit earned for a student’s major or another minor.

Requirements for the Minor in Child Health and Well-being

Minor in Adult Development

Adulthood is a stage of the lifespan during which an individual’s development continues in a range of contexts that include family and friendship groups, professional relationships, and community. Development during adulthood affects both youth and families as adults give and receive care, shift among social roles, and use community services.

The adult development minor combines theoretical and practical approaches to understanding issues faced by adults as individuals, partners, family members, learners, caregivers, citizens, and clients of social agencies. Course work examines adults from age 25 to 90+ in the contexts of evolving family roles, health issues, and social service needs. Students planning careers in social or health-related services will find an understanding of adult development and its attendant issues an asset when applying for entry-level positions or graduate/professional school.

The minor requires a minimum of 18 hours: nine hours of courses on adult development and aging, three or four hours of courses on adult roles in families, and six hours of courses examining particular adult capabilities and challenges. Students may meet part of the last requirement via a community-based practicum or research project related to adult development.

Requirements for the Minor in Adult Development

Minor in Legal Studies

The Legal Studies minor, administered by the College of Law, is designed to provide students with a better understanding of how the law operates in a variety of contexts and develop critical thinking skills. The minor requires 18 hours of credit, with nine hours of core courses taught by College of Law professors and affiliated faculty, and an additional nine hours in one of three tracks: 1) Law & Politics; 2) Law & Cultures; or 3) Law & Economics of Food Security and Sustainability. There are several HDFS courses included in the Legal Studies minor, especially in the Law & Cultures track. 

Prospective Legal Studies Minors must apply for acceptance into the program. For more information, please contact lawundergrad@illinois.edu for general instructions on how to apply for the minor.

Requirements for the Legal Studies Minor