Social Work & Human Development and Family Science

The dual-degree program in human development and family science and social work offers students an integrated knowledge of children, adolescents, adults and families across the life span that will prepare them for careers in the helping professions. Students will gain a broad range of knowledge and skills that will equip them to address the needs and aspirations of people living in a changing world and be eligible for North Dakota licensure as social workers.

The Program

Students are concurrently enrolled in the family science or adult development and aging option of human development and family science (HDFS) at North Dakota State University and the social work major through Minot State University (MiSU). The culmination of these requirements leads to a Bachelor of Science from NDSU as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from MiSU.

Under a cooperative agreement, students remain on the NDSU campus to complete all course work for the dual degree. The courses specific to the social work major are offered on the NDSU campus by MiSU faculty or offered through interactive video.

Together the HDFS degree and the social work degree complement and strengthen the knowledge and skills that students will possess upon completion of this dual degree program. The curriculum combines course work in human development and family science with course work in social work. The curriculum includes a strong liberal arts base, studies in human development, family science, social work practice, social welfare, human behavior and research, and additional course work in economics, psychology, sociology and political science.

Selective Admission

Admission to the dual degree program consists of two separate university applications:

1. Application for admission to NDSU for the human development and family science/social work dual degree prior to beginning the program,
2. After admission and enrollment at NDSU and after meeting with an advisor, application for admission to Minot State University, and
3. Upon completion of specific requirements, application for admission to MiSU social work program.

Field Education

Students are required to complete 465 hours of direct practice with either a public or private human service agency.  This supervised field practice enables students to gain valuable hands-on experience working with clients.

The social work program does not give academic credit for life experience or work experience, nor does the program allow such experience to be substituted for field education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at NDSU makes available grants, loans, scholarships and work-study employment. Scholarships also are available through the College of Human Sciences and Education. For more information visit:

https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/scholarships/

The Facilities

Facilities for the dual degree program are housed in Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall and the Family Life Center.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Students may enhance their involvement by participating in groups such as the HDFS Club and/or the Student Social Work Organization.

Community Setting

The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area offers a setting conducive to study. Students have the opportunity to work in a number of community institutions serving children and families.

Accrediting Agency

The social work program is accredited by:

The Council on Social Work Education

1701 Duke Street, Suite 200

Alexandria, VA 22314-3457

Sample Program Guide

Please note this is a sample program guide 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. Once admitted, students are encouraged to work with their assigned academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress.