Human Development and Family Science, BS

Program Code: HDFSED-BS

The Human Development and Family Science program leads to a bachelor of science degree. Primary objectives of the program are to prepare professionals to work in, or supervise, human service agencies that serve children, youth, and/or families. The program also provides preparation for students who want to pursue graduate study in applied programs such as social work, counseling, or education.

Students who major in Human Development and Family Science must maintain a 2.0 major GPA to graduate from the program.

The Child Development and Family Science minor, consisting of 18 credits, is for students who desire to work in programs that entail all aspects of child development and family relationships and administration in human service agencies at federal, state, and local levels, but who have their major coursework in a related field. The Child Development and Family Science minor is appropriate for all majors who wish to pursue careers working with children and families. The minor includes three required courses and three elective courses.

Liberal Studies: 46-47

As outlined in Liberal Studies Requirements section with the following specifications:

Mathematics: 3

Social Science:

ANTH 110 - Contemporary Anthropology Credits: 3
or any global or multicultural social science course
PSYC 101 - General Psychology Credits: 3
SOC 151 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3
or
SOC 161 - Foundations of Sociology: Social Relations in Groups and Organizations Credits: 3

Liberal Studies Electives: 6

HDFS 330 - Consumer Economics and Family Finance Credits: 3
FDNT 145 - Personal Nutrition Credits: 3

Major: 45-46

Required Courses: 39

HDFS 218 - Child Development Credits: 3
HDFS 224 - Marriage and Family Credits: 3
HDFS 310 - Child Observation and Assessment Credits: 3
HDFS 321 - Preschool Education: Play and Developmentally Appropriate Practices Credits: 3
HDFS 323 - Family Issues Credits: 3
HDFS 410 - Infant and Toddler Development Credits: 3
HDFS 411 - Family and Community Credits: 3
HDFS 425 - Adolescence: Risk and Resiliency Credits: 3
HDFS 426 - Parent Education Credits: 3
HDFS 427 - Administration of Human Service Programs Credits: 3
HDFS 428 - Family Dynamics Credits: 3
HDFS 429 - Teaching in Community Settings Credits: 3
One HDFS Elective course Credits: 3 (not HDFS 330)

Other Requirements: 6-7

BIOL 150 - Human Anatomy Credits: 4
OR
NURS 202 - Foundations of Child Health Credits: 3
SOC 428 - Child Abuse Credits: 3
OR
PSYC 313 - Elder Abuse (CAAST) Credits: 3
OR
PSYC 322 - Violence Across the Life Span Credits: 3

Free Electives: 27-29 (1)

Optional Specializations: 12-18

Child Life: 12 (2)

BIOL 150 - Human Anatomy Credits: 4
BIOL 200 - Medical Terminology Credits: 2
PSYC 200 - Psychological Research I Credits: 3
PSYC 378 - Psychology of Death and Dying Credits: 3

Family Life Education: 18 (3)

HDFS 350 - Teaching Family Life Education Credits: 3
HDFS 430 - Poverty and Human Development Credits: 3
HDFS 493 - Internship Credits: 6-12
PSYC 312 - Adult Development and Aging Credits: 3
SOC 251 - Sociology of Human Sexuality Credits: 3

Total Degree Requirements: 120

(1) Students are encouraged to select a specialization or complete a minor. Courses can count as either an HDFS elective or as part of the specialization but not in multiple places.

(2) This specialization prepares students for entry-level positions in the child life field.

(3) This specialization helps students become eligible for the National Council on Family Relations Certified Family Educator credential.