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 three options: adult development and aging; child and adolescent development; and family science. Each of these options can be completed by itself or can be paired with another degree in one of our dual degree programs. Child development can be paired with elementary education, and family science and adult development and aging can be paired with social work. Information on these dual degree programs is on a separate bulletin page. Each of the three options can also be combined with a master’s degree program in one of our combined/accelerated master’s programs. Child and adolescent development can be combined with the master’s program in youth development; family science can be combined with the master’s program in family financial planning; and adult development and aging can be combined with the master’s program in gerontology. Information on these combined/accelerated degree programs is below and on separate tabs.

Human Development and Family Science majors are prepared to work in a variety of areas related to children, aging adults, 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.

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.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Options

Students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA after 60 credits may apply to enter the Accelerated Master’s degree program associated with their undergraduate degree option. Students in this program can complete both the bachelor’s and master’s degree in HDFS in only 5 years. Students in the Adult Development and Aging option may enter the master’s option in Gerontology. Students in the Child and Adolescent Development option may enter the master’s option in Youth Development. Students in the Family Science option may enter the master’s option in Family Financial Planning. All master’s degree courses are taught online, and all are charged tuition at the higher Great Plains IDEA per-credit rate. However, under the accelerated program, students pay less tuition overall than they would if they completed each degree in separate programs.

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).

 Plans of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.

Human Development and Family Science

HDFS Accelerated Master's Option in Gerontology

Undergraduate students in the Adult Development and Aging option can earn a Master’s degree in HDFS in the Gerontology option by completing just one additional year of classes. 15 credits of the undergraduate curriculum are replaced by 15 graduate credits.

Degree Notes:

• How to Apply to the Program
• More Information About the Gerontology Master's Option

HDFS Accelerated Master's Option in Family Financial Planning

Undergraduate students in the Family Science option can earn a Master’s degree in HDFS in the Family Financial Planning option by completing just one additional year of classes. Fifteen credits of the undergraduate curriculum are replaced by 15 graduate credits.

 Degree Notes:

• How to Apply to the Program
• More Information About the Family Financial Planning Master's Option

HDFS Accelerated Master's Option in Youth Development

Undergraduate students in the Child and Adolescent Development option can earn a Master’s degree in HDFS in the Youth Development option by completing just one additional year of classes. Fifteen credits of the undergraduate curriculum are replaced by 15 graduate credits.

 Degree Notes:

• How to Apply to the Program
• More Information About the Youth Development Master's Option