Human Development and Family Science

Bachelor of Science

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Quick Facts

Credits Required: 120

Cost Per Credit: $525.00

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College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences

Program Details

Embark on a journey of human connection with the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Bachelor of Science program. In this BS program, you will delve into the intricacies of adolescence, child development, family dynamics, mental health, and counseling while gaining valuable insights into youth programs and community services.

Learn alongside renowned faculty who bring a wealth of real-world experience working with diverse families and individuals. Our strong community partnerships provide unparalleled access to internships and hands-on learning opportunities, allowing you to apply your knowledge and make a meaningful impact.

Whether you envision a fulfilling career working directly with people or plan to pursue graduate studies, the HDFS program will equip you with the essential knowledge, skills, and competitive edge to succeed.

View detailed program information

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

Courses

The curriculum for this program includes:

This laboratory experience provides training in observing and recording young children's behaviors.

This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of adolescent development, including the relationships between theory, research, and practice. You will examine various aspects of adolescent development, focusing on the major developmental milestones (such as identity, intimacy, and sexuality), transitions, strengths, and challenges of adolescents, as well as the contexts in which these occur.

Learn about theories and applications of leadership and communication to professional decision-making, planning, and control in the workplace. Examine personal and professional qualities essential for successful internship and career planning. Roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards for professionals will be examined.

Learn selected counseling skills and their applications. This course is designed for students needing basic skills in counseling as an adjunct to other primary occupational functions. Approved as: Interdisciplinary course in HDFS major–Advanced Complementary perspectives.

This course addresses major issues facing older adults and their families, society, and how earlier life experiences influence our older adult years. This class will tackle questions such as: What opportunities and challenges do adults face as they age? What resources and barriers shape their lives? How do physiological, psychological, interpersonal/family, economic, and socio-historical factors affect the experience of aging? How do gender, social class, and ethnicity influence the experience of aging? How do government policies, community services, the healthcare system, and health interventions affect the lives and well-being of older adults?

This course covers a variety of mental illnesses and relationship problems in adulthood, with a specific focus on how those issues impact individuals and their family systems. Prevention and treatment approaches for these issues are discussed, including research-supported therapeutic and family-based strategies.

This course is an in-depth examination of human development from a sociocultural perspective, focusing on socialization processes in childhood and adolescence and the role of the social and cultural context in those processes.

This course critically analyzes selected studies and current research in family relations.