Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is an interdisciplinary major focusing on the health and development of individuals across the lifespan, within the context of diverse families and social identities. Students complete coursework in human development (i.e., infancy and childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, late adulthood and healthy aging), family studies, and behavioral and mental health programs across the lifespan. Students study emerging research in the field and learn to identify risk and protective factors influencing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development across the lifespan. During their final year, HDFS students apply knowledge and skills from coursework through completion of a semester-long internship. Internship is a hallmark of the degree program that serves as a culminating experience preparing students for a professional career with diverse populations, communities, and organizations. The HDFS department is committed to promoting the success and well-being of all students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds. 

The HDFS major offers five concentrations that enable students to specialize within their degree and prepare for a variety of career paths in human services. 

Concentrations

Each concentration consists of 39 credits of HDFS foundational courses, 15 credits selected from the list of courses within students' chosen concentration(s), and elective courses necessary to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation. Students must declare at least one concentration and may declare up to two concentrations in the HDFS major. The declared concentration(s) are listed on the students' transcripts, indicating specialized training within the HDFS degree program. 

Students can also pursue teacher licensure through the Major in Early Childhood Education or the Major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Director Qualifications in early childhood settings, the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, the Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity, the Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, or the Certificate in Youth Mentoring with Campus Connections. Students may apply to earn their bachelor of science (BS) in HDFS and a master of public health (MPH) degree in five years through the BS + MPH Dual Degree Program offered by the Colorado School of Public Health.

Potential Occupations

Graduates with a major in HDFS are prepared to work in a range of human service sector settings including: children and youth services organizations; early childhood, elementary, adolescent, and parent education programs; health-care settings; criminal justice (juvenile and adult); family and community services; and programs serving older adults, including long-term care facilities. HDFS graduates are also well prepared to pursue graduate studies in mental health, behavioral and social sciences, education, health and medicine (including physical and occupational therapy), policy and public health, and other professional programs. Students interested in teaching human development and family studies content at the secondary level should explore the Major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

Some examples of career opportunities students may pursue with a bachelor's degree in HDFS include, but are not limited to: early childhood administrator and teacher; adult recreation programmer; administrator in adult and aging facilities; career development specialist; family services specialist; legal or victim advocate; human development specialist; adult education teacher; human resources coordinator; youth agency administrator; community outreach worker; women’s program administrator; probation officer; youth intervention and prevention program administrator; youth employment, training, and development specialist; parent educator; children-family educator; child protection worker; family assistance worker; program administrator; public relations specialist; student affairs professional; youth services worker; case manager; nonprofit agency administrator; activities coordinator; and residential center manager.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

  1. Content knowledge and understanding of theory, research, and practice relevant to optimizing the development, health, and well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan in the context of the larger social environment.
  2. Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate to the field of human development and family studies.
  3. The ability to access, critically evaluate, and apply multiple forms of information related to individuals and families.
  4. Professional and leadership skills with individuals and families, including ethical and culturally sensitive conduct.

Online Degree Program

The major in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is offered in two formats, both leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The major in Human Development and Family Studies offered through CSU Online provides a flexible, convenient, and accessible format for busy, working, or distance students. The online program of study is the same as the on-campus version, is fully accredited, and is indistinguishable on student transcripts and diplomas from the on-campus version. The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor and courses required to pursue a variety of certificates are also available online. On-campus students are welcome in HDFS courses through CSU Online and should speak with their advisor and financial aid representative about financial implications.

Accelerated Program 

The major in Human Development and Family Studies includes an accelerated program option for students to graduate on a faster schedule. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. Visit the Office of the Provost website for additional information about Accelerated Programs.

Learn more about the Human Development and Family Studies major on the Department of Human Development and Family Studies website.