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:
- Application for admission to NDSU for the human development and family science/social work dual degree prior to beginning the program,
- After admission and enrollment at NDSU and after meeting with an advisor, application for admission to Minot State University, and
- Upon completion of specific requirements, application for admission to MiSU social work program.
Field Education
Students are required to complete 400 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 Health and Human Sciences. For more information visit Scholarships on the One Stop website.
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: Council on Social Work Education, 1701 Duke Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314-3457.
Sample Program Guide
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.
| Freshman |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| ENGL 110 | 3 | COMM 110 | 3 |
| HDFS 242 | 3 | ENGL 120 | 3 |
| PSYC 111 | 3 | POLS 115 or 215 | 3 |
| Science & Technology Gen Ed | 3 | SOC 110 | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts Gen Ed | 3 | HDFS 230 | 3 |
| | 15 | | 15 |
| Sophomore |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| HDFS 250 | 3 | ECON 105, 201, or 202 | 3 |
| PHIL 210 | 3 | HDFS option course (Family or Aging)* | 3 |
| PSYC 212 | 3 | Science & Technology with Lab | 4 |
| Science & Tech Gen Ed | 3 | SWK 330: Human Behavior & Soc Env | 3 |
| SWK 250: Interpersonal Skills | 3 | SWK 335: Methods I - Individuals | 3 |
| SWK 256: Development of Social Welfare | 3 | |
| | 18 | | 16 |
| Junior |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| HDFS 275 | 3 | STAT 330 | 3 |
| PSYC 270 | 3 | HDFS Any Level Elective | 3 |
| HDFS Option Course (Family or Aging)* | 3 | Humanities/Fine Arts Gen Ed | 3 |
| SWK 331: Family Dynamics | 3 | SWK 426: Methods II - Groups | 3 |
| SWK 430 or HMS 279 | 3 | SWK 402, 428, 430 or HMS 279 | 3 |
| | 15 | | 15 |
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| HDFS 353 | 3 | HDFS 496** | 1 |
| HDFS 390 | 1 | SWK 490 Field Education | 12 |
| ENGL 320, 325, 358, or 459 | 3 | SWK 491 Senior Seminar | 3 |
| HDFS Option Course (Family or Aging)* | 3 | |
| HDFS 300- or 400-level elective | 3 | |
| SWK 427: Methods III - Organizations | 3 | |
| | 16 | | 16 |
| Total Credits: 126 |
