HDFS 262 Introduction to Human Services

Curious about careers that help others?

HDFS 262 introduces you to the many ways human services professionals help individuals and families meet basic needs through prevention and early intervention programs.

You'll learn about a wide range of careers in health, education, housing, and social support and get a jump start on your career path by building practical skills like résumé writing, reflection and professional communication.

Many students take this course as a first step in exploring human development and family sciences degree pathways, including adding the HDFS minor or considering the major.

What makes this course stand out?

Career exploration

Learn about a wide range of human services organizations and the people they serve.

Guest speakers

Hear directly from professionals working in health care, education, mental health and more.

Focus on prevention

Understand how early support systems can improve lives and promote well-being.

Social impact focus

Understand how equity, ethics and compassion are central to helping professions.

Internship preparation

Build foundational skills for finding and applying to future internships.

Professional insight

Discover what it means to work in human services and reflect on your values, goals and interests.

Fulfills Core Education requirements

Meets the Beyond OSU I and II - Prepare and Engage categories for Core Education. 

Who should take this course?

HDFS majors

Gain early insight into the field and prepare for your practicum or internship.

Psychology, sociology or public health majors

Explore overlapping pathways in counseling, social work and community health.

Education majors

Understand how schools intersect with child welfare, family support and trauma-informed care.

Pre-health students

See how systems of care support well-being beyond clinical settings.

Exploratory studies students

Discover a people-centered field with broad career opportunities.