What Will I Learn in Human Development & Family Science?
Majors & Degrees
Human Development and Family Science is about improving lives! A BS Degree in Human Development & Family Science will prepare you for professions that improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages, including couples and families. Course topics Include:
Human Development Across the Lifespan
- Physical, social, cultural, sexual, and relationship development
- Infancy, childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, adulthood and older adulthood
- Identity, cultural, and social issues
- Experiences of marginalized individuals (social justice issues including LGBTQIA, racial, immigrant, and other topics)
Family Dynamics
- Couples & romantic relationships
- Family relationships (parenting, family, caregiving, etc.)
- Family processes (conflict, stress, intimacy)
Specialized Topics
- Counseling skills & theories
- Mental illness & problems in families
- Mentored research experience with faculty
- Professional development in the helping professions
HDFS Course Sampler
- HDFS 117: Lifespan Human Development – Learn about aspects of development including biological, social, cultural, personal, and familial factors and how those things influence people from birth throughout different stages of life
- HDFS 257: Dynamics of Family Relationships – Build understanding of modern family life including marriage, parenting, family crises, family stress management, being single, gender, work/family balance, and more
- HDFS 323: Infancy & Child Development – Growth, development, and socialization of the child within the family setting, from conception to the middle school years. Observe preschoolers and children playing/learning in lab settings.
- HDFS 413: Issues in Aging – Examination of biological, social, familial, personal, and other factors related to aging in modern society: retirement, grandparenting, parent relationships with adult children, caregiving for aging family members, dementia, other health concerns, and more.
- HDFS 401: Basic Skills in Counseling – Learn basic skills and concepts relevant to counseling and other helping professions, including empathy, validation, effective questions, initiating difficult conversations, professional boundaries, self-care, ethical codes of conduct, and more