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Human Development and Family Studies Program

Our program goal is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to study and work with individuals and families. Students pursuing the B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies gain knowledge and experience in the science of human growth and development, human interaction and family relationships. Graduates work in careers that promote healthy development and positive family functioning across the lifespan, such as: a social services case worker, provider at residential treatment center, youth organization worker, program director for youth, family or senior citizen center.

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Undergraduate Degrees Offered
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Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)

Drawing from theory and research of the full lifespan of human development and the dynamic interaction of family members, this degree provides knowledge and experience in the science of human growth and development, human interaction and family relationships.
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Human Development and Family Services (A.S.)

The human development and family services program involves the study of lifespan development in the context of family, community and society. The human development and family services major prepares students for careers assisting prevention specialists, advocates and educators working with children and families.
Counselor with Student
Rehabilitation Services Minor

This minor fits well with majors such as human development and family studies, psychology and sociology. Rehabilitation counselors provide services that assist people with physical or psychiatric disabilities to become or remain self-sufficient allowing them to lead satisfying and productive lives.
Graduate Degrees Offered
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Human Sciences (M.S.) - Developmental Sciences Specialization

This specialization provides students with graduate training in an interdisciplinary field that examines human development across the lifespan in cultural, social and family contexts. The specialization provides advanced training for individuals working in outreach and advocacy, health and human services, education and businesses and corporations.
Graduate Degree Details
I think every major on campus should take an HFDS course because they're so practical. Even our students say "I learned so much about people, but I also learned so much about myself!"
Amber Letcher, Professor and SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Degree at a Glance

Availability

  • Brookings
  • Online

Details

Program Objectives

All graduates of the HDFS major will share a common base of knowledge, skills and experiences:

  • Knowledge and understanding of
    • Developmental stages and processes across the lifespan.
    • Family dynamic processes.
    • The multi-directional influences of social contexts and the development of individuals, couples and families.
    • The interpersonal skills required for an effective helping relationship.
  • Skill and ability to
    • Interpret and evaluate current information regarding human and family development.
    • Use human development and family theories to understand and explain individual growth and family interaction.
    • Plan and evaluate intervention strategies designed to enhance the development of individuals, couples and families.
  • Experiences in
    • The ranges of settings that human development and family studies professionals inhabit.
    • Supervised work in a professional setting.
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Administrators and Staff
Faculty