Students majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences learn how people change across the life course within the contexts of families, school, work, and communities. Information from many disciplines is applied to the study of individuals and families, preparing students to fully understand people and to develop skills in critical thinking and in research. This option prepares students for careers in schools and in the helping professions, or positions them to pursue advanced academic degrees in a variety of fields. This general option offers tremendous flexibility and is especially suited to students who also seek a related major (e.g., ethnic studies, pre-nursing, psychology, sociology, Spanish), enabling them to enrich their preparation for exciting, interdisciplinary careers. Students learn about infants and toddlers, teens and adults of all ages, and families of all shapes and sizes. 

On completing the HDFS General Option, students are prepared to be involved and effective community members and to improve people’s lives. The HDFS General Option is ideal for students interested in the helping professions and also pairs well with a minor or a second major in liberal studies, pre-medicine or pre-nursing, psychology, public health, sociology, Spanish, or women studies. It provides exceptional preparation for graduate work in counseling, education, public policy, social work, or human development and family sciences, each of which can lead to a productive, satisfying career.

Future Students

• Visit Undergraduate Academic Advising to pursue this program.

Current Students

• Use the general catalog to view courses offered in the program.
• Use an option sheet (pdf) to track your progress in completing course requirements.
• Schedule an advising appointment.

Degree available through eCampus

If you are a new student with eCampus, complete the online orientation through eCampus. When the orientation is complete the eCampus adviser will contact you.

Additional resources

• HDFS Internships
• Labs/facilities
• Clubs and organizations
• Study Abroad