Human Development and Family Studies

Degree Overview

This Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) combines course work and field experience in individual and family development across the lifespan. Learn how individuals develop and change, how family, community, and society affect human development, and how to apply this knowledge in career areas such as early childhood services, adolescent intervention, and community outreach.

• Are you curious about the way human beings grow and develop from infancy to adulthood?
• Do you wonder how environmental and social factors affect physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development?
• Are you an early childhood professional or thinking of a career focused on the developmental needs of young children?
• Do you currently work or are interested in working with children, families, or the elderly?
• Are you considering a career in family counseling, youth services, or education programs?

If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," then a degree in Human Development and Family Studies may be the right path for you.

Requirements and Curriculum

This online program gives you the flexibility to take courses at your own pace. The course work provides a strong foundation in human development and family studies theory and research. You also take experiential learning courses in addition to courses focused on your career interest. Learn more about degree requirements and curriculum »

Career Opportunities

With the well-rounded background in human development and family studies acquired through this program and guided by your interests and plan of study, you have many career options available. Learn more about career opportunities »

Admission and Application

This program requires that you have at least 60 semester hours of transferable college credit or have completed an associate’s degree. Learn more about admission and transferring credits »

Learning Experience

Although the online format of this degree offers flexibility, it still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus program. Depending on your learning and studying style, expect to spend at least nine to twelve hours per week on a three credit course.

This program strives to be interactive and requires you to be an active participant in class. Your interactions with faculty and fellow students depend on the specific course, but each course generally has online or telephone office hours, email contact, discussions, and weekly assignments. More information about online learning »

Degree Benefits

This degree completion program offered through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Applied Human Sciences is one of very few undergraduate degree completion programs offered online. In addition to gaining a regionally accredited Colorado State University degree, you will:

• Complete your undergraduate degree at your own pace while increasing your knowledge and skills in the human development and family studies field.
• Learn from highly qualified CSU faculty who are experts in their field.
• Have access to numerous University resources, including email, advising, and library services.
• Have the option to participate in the on-campus graduation ceremony or view a live, online streaming video of graduation ceremonies.