BS in Human Development and Family Science

Degree Program Description

The Human Development and Family Science program is developed from a foundation of human development and family science courses. It is essential for the student working with children, adolescents or adults to understand and to be able to maximize the resources offered by the family. It is equally important for the student concerned with the quality of family life to recognize the intricate spiral of changing needs in the growing individual.

Major Program Requirements

A students must choose an emphasis area and complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to receive the degree. 

Majors in all of the emphasis areas in HDFS must complete the core courses below and additional course requirements (including General Education courses and Requirements in Related Areas) specific to each emphasis area. Requirements for each emphasis area are listed on their respective catalog pages: Child Development and Education, Child Life Specialist, Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society, and Family and Lifespan Development.

Students must achieve a grade of C (2.0) in all HDFS courses taken to meet degree requirements.

Major Program Requirements		16
H_D_FS 1600	Foundations of Family Science 1	3
H_D_FS 2200	Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science 2	3
H_D_FS 2300	Multicultural Study of Children and Families	3
H_D_FS 2400W	Principles of Human Development - Writing Intensive 3	4
or H_D_FS 2400	Principles of Human Development
H_D_FS 3150W	Child Development 4-8 (Early Childhood) - Writing Intensive	3

1	H_D_FS 1600 should be taken before H_D_FS 2300 and any 3000/4000-level H_D_FS course.
2	Statistics is recommended prior to H_D_FS 2200. Consult with advisor for appropriate course options.
3	Some HDFS students may be able to select H_D_FS 2400 (non-WI) Student should consult with academic advisor prior to course enrollment for appropriate course selection.

Child Development Laboratory Courses such as H_D_FS 3500, H_D_FS 3700, and H_D_FS 4971 have pre/co-requisites and require the consent of the instructor. Because enrollment may be limited, students must see the assigned HDFS academic advisor to be placed on an enrollment permission list. Students in the Family and Lifespan Development emphasis may substitute another practicum experience with consent of department advisor.

In addition to the required core courses listed above, the degree program is completed with courses selected from within the department, from other areas in the College of Education, and from the social sciences and allied professional fields such as education, recreation, business and health. For some students, courses in the arts, humanities, or biological sciences may be appropriate.

Background Checks, Health Screenings and Other Required Elements:

It is essential that HDFS majors develop professional relationships with vulnerable populations, thus during the course of the degree program, and prior to beginning any practical or clinical education experience, students may be required to:

• pass multiple criminal background checks
• pass mandatory drug screens
• pass other qualification checks required by the practical or clinical education sites
• provide proof of health insurance coverage
• provide proof of required immunizations
• provide proof of student professional liability insurance coverage

The student is responsible for all costs incurred with these requirements. Failure to provide appropriate documentation, or pass required checks prior to the beginning of practical or clinical experiences may result in dismissal from the degree program in HDFS.

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Semester Plan

The BS in Human Development and Family Science has emphasis areas in Child Development and Education, Child Life Specialist, Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society, and Family and Lifespan Development.  Please see the individual emphasis area pages for semester plans specific to the emphasis area.

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