Human Development and Family Sciences

Undergraduate Program

Make a difference in the lifelong health of people and families.

 Corvallis   Ecampus   Bend

Examine human nature

Help a child develop the social and emotional skills to thrive. Provide comfort and care to an aging adult. Help a family work through trauma.

In Oregon State’s nationally ranked human development and family sciences program, you’ll address human development across all ages and learn how to help improve the human condition.

Study human development to be part of a rewarding career that empowers individuals, families and communities to survive and thrive.

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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

Explore required courses.

As an HDFS major at Oregon State, you’ll...

  • Study how lives and relationships develop within families, school, work and society.
  • Learn about different stages of development, from childhood to adulthood.
  • Be equipped to understand and promote equity, inclusion and diversity.
  

#1 HDFS program in Oregon
-College Factual

Human development and family sciences major options

Select an option that matches your interests and career goals, whether it’s working with children, the elderly or providing services for families and communities.

Human development and family sciences internships

HDFS internships

Human services and child development internships help prepare you for a full-time position upon graduation.

Examples of internship types:

  • Food bank
  • Child development center
  • Homeless shelter
  • Hospital or clinic
  • Long term care facility
  • Nonprofit health organization
  • Women's shelter

Learn more

Jennifer Macias Morris, ’11

To work in early childhood education, you first need to understand early childhood. Jennifer Macias Morris graduated with a degree in human development and family sciences and was recently recognized as one of America’s 20 most inspiring educators.

Read more

Career options in the human services field

With an HDFS degree, you can make a real impact in the lives of youth and their families. Many of our students come with an interest in psychology, and some enter education, human services or pediatrics after graduation.

According to College Factual, human development, family sciences and human services careers are expected to grow 10% between 2016-2026

 

Study human development and family sciences for careers in:

*These roles may require post-baccalaureate/graduate/professional education to qualify.

  • Adoption agency counselor
  • Activity director
  • Assisted living manager
  • Caseworker
  • Childcare coordinator
  • Crisis intervention worker
  • Early childhood policy advocate
  • Extension educator
  • Elementary teacher*
  • Emergency relief worker
  • Family support worker
  • Foster care caseworker
  • Health communication specialist
  • Hospice worker
  • Housing service coordinator
  • International relief worker
  • Mental health counselor*
  • Parent educator
  • Psychologist
  • Preschool or childcare teacher
  • Senior advocate
  • Social caseworker
  • Social worker*
  • Volunteer coordinator
  • Youth development specialist

Nyssa Cronin, ’20

“I chose to major in human development and family sciences because of my interest in understanding why people do the things they do, how people navigate different relationships within their life, and how or why communities struggle or thrive.”

Contact us

Peer advisors

If you have questions regarding classes, student clubs or campus, our peer advisors would love to chat. Call or email them for advice.

David Cortez, MEd

David Cortez, MEd

For questions about the program, application process or requirements, contact our director of student recruitment and admissions, David Cortez, MEd.