Human Development and Family Sciences
Undergraduate Program
Make a difference in the lifelong health of people and families.
Corvallis Campus
Ecampus
OSU-Cascades
Earn your bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences
Oregon State’s HDFS major helps you build a strong foundation in child development, family dynamics and human services. You'll gain research-informed, practical skills to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families — from early childhood to elder care.
With flexible learning options, world-class faculty and supportive advising, you’ll be prepared for rewarding careers in youth development, human services, early childhood education, health care and beyond.
Sample human services and child development courses
- Children and Youth with Disabilities
- Families and Poverty
- Family, School and Community Collaboration
- Family Policy
- Fostering Learning in Early Childhood Development
As an HDFS major at Oregon State, you’ll...
-
Explore how relationships grow and transform families over time
-
Study development across all stages — from childhood to later adulthood
-
Practice culturally responsive communication and support
-
Engage with social issues like poverty, trauma resilience and policy
-
Build experience through human services and nonprofit outreach
Why study HDFS at Oregon State?
- Coursework in child development, family dynamics, policy, aging and human services
- Opportunities to intern in schools, community agencies and health care organizations
- Faculty committed to social justice, equity and real-world impact
- Human service option is available fully online through top-ranked OSU Ecampus
Customize your HDFS degree with major options that align with your goal
Available for both BA and BS students, these transcript-visible degree options help you build specialized skills and knowledge through focused coursework and hands-on experiences such as internships and practicums.
Child development option
Corvallis campus
With the child development option, you’ll learn how to help children reach their full potential and to support their development in early childhood settings.
Human services option
Corvallis campus Ecampus OSU-Cascades
With the human services degree option you’ll help individuals, families and communities survive and thrive.
Early childhood option
OSU-Cascades
The early childhood option prepares students to promote lifelong development, learning, and well-being of children and families.
HDFS undergraduate minor
Corvallis campus Ecampus OSU-Cascades
Add the human development and family sciences minor to learn how people change across their lifespan within the contexts of families, schools and communities.
Accelerated Master's: Applied Behavioral Health
Corvallis campus
The accelerated master’s in applied behavioral health lets you begin graduate-level coursework while still an undergrad — saving you time and money as you work toward your MS in human development and family studies.
Minors and certificates
Corvallis campus Ecampus OSU-Cascades
A health minor or certificate will give you unique skills and perspectives on how to ensure health and well-being for all — in any future career.
Your experience as an HDFS undergrad student
Learn alongside curious peers and faculty while building the real-world skills needed to lead change and promote healthier lives.
Internships
With an internship built into the program, you’ll gain valuable experience and practical skills before you graduate.
Career paths in human development and family sciences
A career in human development and family science offers the chance to make a lasting impact by supporting individuals' growth and strengthening family relationships.
Whether you work in health care, social services or family advocacy, you’ll help people navigate life’s challenges, promote well-being, and shape policies that support thriving communities.
Transform your passion for helping others into a force for positive change.
Request info
Relevant, culturally competent curriculum
“I encourage anyone interested in people, advocacy, health, families, children and relationships to join the College of Health. The HDFS program's curriculum is thoughtful, inspiring, culturally competent and relevant to any career working with people.”
Anna Lane, '24
Major: HDFS
Now: Child Protective Services, Corvallis
Contact us
Have questions about classes, clubs or campus life? Our peer ambassadors are happy to help. Call or email them.
For program or admissions info, email the College of Health recruitment team.