Human Development and Family Science
Human Development and Family Science Major
At the undergraduate level, the department offers a curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree through five options: adult development and aging; child and adolescent development; family science; child development/elementary education; and family science/social work. Human Development and Family Science majors are prepared to work in a variety of areas related to children and families. Employment opportunities include parent and family life educators, extension agents, child protection service professionals, financial counselors, nursing home activity directors, credit specialists, and directors of child care licensing.
Coursework provides students with an ecological approach to the study of human development and families with emphasis on the interactions of individuals, families, and the broader environmental context. Allowing students to select electives within the department to specialize in careers of interest provides flexibility.
Note: All credits in Human Development and Family Science must have grades of 'C' or better to be accepted for all the Human Development and Family Science programs at NDSU.
Adult Development and Aging Option
The Adult Development & Aging option prepares students for careers involving direct and support services for adults of various ages as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
Child and Adolescent Development Option
This option prepares students for careers involving direct and support services for children and adolescents as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
Family Science Option
This option allows students to take a concentration of courses in family science or family economics in preparation for careers in direct and support services for families as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
Human Development and Family Science Minor
The Human Development and Family Science minor is especially appropriate for students majoring in the social or behavioral sciences and other students planning careers that involve work with people. The minor requires 18 credits, including HDFS 135 (Family Science), HDFS 230 (Lifespan Development), and 12 credits of HDFS electives. Of the 12 credits of electives, at least nine credits must be upper division (i.e., 300 or 400 level) and no more than three credits may be in field experience (HDFS 496).
Minor Requirements
Development & Family Science Minor
Minor Requirements
Required Credits: 18
| Required Courses | ||
| HDFS 135 | Family Science | 3 |
| HDFS 230 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| Elective Courses * | ||
| HDFS | Elective | 3 |
| HDFS 300-400 | Level Electives | 9 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| * | No more than 3 credits may be a field experience, practicum, or student teaching. |
Minor Requirements and Notes
- A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at NDSU.
