Human Development and Family Studies, BS

The undergraduate major in human development and family studies (HDFS) offers specialized courses in human development from infancy through old age, couples and family relationships, research methods, policymaking, parent-child relations, family health and well-being, parent education and support, and ethnic and cultural diversity in families. In addition to coursework, all students engage in a 150-hour, semester-long internship or high-impact learning experience in a professional setting related to their major and career goals. These settings include community mental health programs, early childhood education, legislative offices, health care agencies, research labs, criminal justice systems, child and family life education, and community-based social justice programs.The major prepares students for careers in human and family service organizations and for graduate or professional school in a variety of fields including health care, education, family law, counseling, occupational therapy, program evaluation, physical therapy, case management, and the child life profession.