What is a bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies?
Our undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary degree with elements of a traditional course of study in psychology, sociology, social work, and biology. However, our program focuses more specifically on how families and individuals develop throughout their lifetimes. You will learn about the major life phases from infancy through later adulthood and the complexities of social, emotional, cognitive, and cultural development.
Graduates from our program find fulfilling careers in several professional settings:
Family counseling
Early childhood education
Health care providers
Business professionals
See what it’s like to be a Human Development and Family Studies student.
This concentration focuses on early childhood development from birth to eight years old. This option will prepare you for careers in early childhood education.
This is a general concentration for students who are not seeking specialized training from other concentrations. This is a great choice if you are interested in general focus in HDFS.
This concentration guides students who are preparing for leadership in organizations that promote the optimal development of individuals and families, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
This concentration will prepare students for graduate school or professional programs in health professions. This is a great choice if you need a concentration that will support your career goals.
This concentration will prepare students for careers in human services. This is a great choice if you are interested in careers requiring either a bachelor’s degree or additional credentials.
HDFS Major Classes
Major in Human Development and Family Studies, Human Development and Family Studies Concentration
Major in Human Development and Family Studies, Early Childhood Professions Concentration
Major in Human Development and Family Studies, Pre-Health Professions Concentration
Major in Human Development and Family Studies, Prevention and Intervention Sciences Concentration
Major in Human Development and Family Studies, Leadership and Advocacy Concentration
As a Human Development and Family Studies major, you’ll be required to participate in an internship your senior year, which is an intensive experience in a setting aligned with your career interest or concentration.
Early in your degree programs, typically as a sophomore or junior, you can choose to participate in a 90 hour practicum experience that exposes you to hands-on experience in programs that service youth, families, and the aging.
We provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their education and build leadership skills while working closely with faculty, staff, graduate students, and fellow undergraduates.
Becoming a member of a student organization provides many opportunities including direct interaction with professionals in your field of study. Network with professionals and friends while learning skills to become a better leader.
There are several scholarships available specifically for Human Development and Family Studies majors, all you have to do is fill out the general CSU scholarship application. Search the College scholarship database to see the full list.
Human Development and Family Studies advising staff is here to help you get the most out of your studies. Get in touch with us and let’s schedule an appointment to answer your questions.
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies? Check out ideas and explore your options! This list is not all encompassing but designed to get you started on your career development journey.
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