School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science

Amber Letcher, Interim Director
School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science
Thompson Center 105
605-688-4321

The mission of the School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science is to enhance the success of human service professionals who support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan through integration of transdisciplinary research, teaching, service, and outreach and engagement.

In the School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science, students are introduced to a broad human services foundation that blends counseling, developmental science, and family systems perspectives, giving them a well-rounded understanding of how people grow, adapt, and thrive in a changing world. Through internships, practicums, service-learning, and community engagement opportunities, students gain practical skills while working directly with individuals and families. These experiences are paired with an emphasis on research-informed practice, teaching students how to use evidence-based strategies to address challenges and promote resilience. At its core, the program is grounded in the belief that individuals, families, and communities are interconnected, and that supporting one level strengthens the others.

Graduate Faculty

Andrea Bjornestad, Professor
Alison Boughn, Assistant Director and Associate Professor of Counseling and Human Resource Development
Hande Briddick, Professor
William Briddick, Associate Professor
Christin Carotta, Associate Professor
Gene Dockery, Assistant Professor
Erin Lavender-Stott, Associate Professor
Amber Letcher, Interim Director and Professor
Katelyn Romsa, Associate Professor
Raynimol Thomas, Assistant Professor
Naomi Timm-Davis, Assistant Professor
Abigail Van Patten-Freeman, Assistant Professor
Dakota Witzel, Assistant Professor

Programs

Master’s Degrees

• Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.Ed.) - Administration of Student Affairs Specialization  
• Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization  
• Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - College Counseling Specialization  
• Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - Marriage and Family Counseling Specialization  
• Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization  
• Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - School Counseling Specialization  
• Human Sciences (M.S.) - Human Development and Family Science Specialization  

Certificates

• Academic Advising Certificate  
• Athletic Academic Advising Certificate  

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science provides assistantship opportunities for which students may apply.