Human Development is an applied field that applies complex theories to multifaceted, real-world issues affecting children and families. Using a social justice lens, HDFS practitioners and scholars seek to understand and work with the contexts in which individuals find themselves embedded. Graduates will be committed to improving the health and well-being of diverse individuals and families across the lifespan through research, teaching, and professional practice.
A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) provides rich, broad-based training and can lead to a wide range of career paths including business, counseling, couple and family therapy, healthcare, human services, policy, and resource management. Many HDFS graduates go on to graduate school where they study diverse topics and disciplines.
The HDFS degrees are approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Upon graduation, students may apply for provisional certification as a Family Life Educator, and with the additional work experience, they can earn full certification.
The University requirements for the bachelor’s degree as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Human Development and Family Studies major is met by completing Human Development and Family Studies 345.
Additional information about the requirements may be found in the Academic Programs Catalog on the Office of the Registrar website.
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