Skip to main
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
College of Health and Human Sciences

B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies

Apply Now Visit Us

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.

Audio-Described Version of “Why Study Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University”

Audio-Described Version of Meet the CHHS Rams | Human Development and Family Studies’ Megan Battleson

HDFS Degree Concentrations

Your specific career interests will help you decide which concentration to choose. Learn more about each concentration to find the right fit for you.

Early Childhood Professions

This concentration focuses on early childhood development from birth to eight years old. This option will prepare you for careers in early childhood education.

Human Development and Family Studies

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.

Leadership and Advocacy

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.

Pre-Health Professions

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.

Prevention and Intervention Sciences

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

HDFS online course alternatives - open to all students

All HDFS undergraduate courses are also offered through CSU Online as 801 course sections. They are NOT listed on RamWeb. Browse our HDFS online courses and click on a course to register. CSU Online courses may have financial implications. Before registering, contact Financial Aid at (970) 491-6321 to discuss.

Paths to Consider

Accelerated B.S. degree

Earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies in three years.

Online B.S. degree

Earn a Human development and Family Studies degree entirely online.

4+1 B.S. and Master's of Public Health

Earn your bachelor’s degree and the Master of Public Health degree in 5 years.

Apply for Graduate School at CSU for free

Students who earn their bachelor’s degrees at CSU can apply to Graduate School for free.

Follow us on Instagram

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

HDFS Colorado State University (@hdfscsu) • Instagram photos and videos

  • 90% of HDFS students complete an internship
  • HDFS prepares students to work in leadership, advocacy, healthcare, education, business, and more!
  • 36% of HDFS students choose to continue their education immediately following their B.S. graduation

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Internships

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.

HDFS student works with an older person holding a weight

Practicum

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.

students in classroom

Research, Teaching, and Advising

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.

Person in lab coat oversees participant in human-sized pod.

Student Organizations

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.

Summer day with 16 college students posing for a photo

RESOURCES Prospective and Current Students

Paying for College

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.

Advising and Support

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.

Careers

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.

Making an Impact Human Development and Family Studies News

Read More HDFS News