Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is an interdisciplinary major focusing on the health and development of individuals across the lifespan, within the context of diverse families and social identities. Students complete coursework in human development (i.e., infancy and childhood, adolescence, emerging and young adulthood, middle and later adulthood/aging), family studies, and evidence-based prevention and intervention programming in human services. Students study theory and emerging research in the field and learn to identify risk and protective factors influencing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development across the lifespan. During their final year, HDFS students apply knowledge and skills from course work through completion of a semester-long internship. Internship is a hallmark of the degree program that serves as a culminating experience preparing students for a professional career with diverse populations, communities, and organizations.

The HDFS major offers five concentrations that enable students to specialize within their degree and prepare for a variety of career paths in human services. Students can also pursue teacher licensure through the Major in Early Childhood Education, Director Qualifications in early childhood settings, the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, the Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity, or the Certificate in Youth Mentoring with Campus Connections. The HDFS department is committed to promoting the success and well-being of students from underrepresented backgrounds.