Human Development and Family Studies, B.S. (Health and Human Development)

Program Code: HDFS_BS

Program Description

This major is a multidisciplinary program that examines the development of individuals and families across the life span. It enables students to prepare for professional, managerial, or scientific roles in health and human services professions, in public and nonprofit agencies, and in business and industry, as well as for advanced professional or graduate study. Students obtain a broad background in individual and family development across the life span. Courses emphasize biological, psychological, social/cultural, and economic aspects of development. Through coursework and undergraduate internships or research projects, students develop skills relevant to career objectives, such as counseling, human assessment, program planning and evaluation, and research.

Two options are available within the major:

  1. Life Span Human Services option
  2. Life Span Developmental Science option.

The introductory paragraph to each of the options includes a brief list of career opportunities. More extensive descriptions of career opportunities in both public and private sectors are available for the program.

Life Span Human Services Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, World Campus, York

This option focuses on the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge about development and family functioning across the life span for the purposes of enhancing personal and family development. Courses emphasize:

  1. understanding the biological, psychological, and social development across the life span, and the structuring and functioning of families;
  2. understanding basic theoretical and methodological issues; and
  3. the development of applied skills in intervention and evaluation, prevention, and in the formulation of social policy.

An approved field experience in a setting that serves children, youth, adults, or the aged is required for this option. Typical employment settings include preschools, daycare centers, hospital programs for children, youth, and families, institutional and community mental health programs for individuals and families, programs for abused or neglected children and adolescents, women's resource centers, human resources programs, employee assistance programs, nursing homes, area agencies on aging and other community settings for older adults, and public welfare and family service agencies. Typical postgraduate pursuits of students completing this option include graduate study in human development, family studies, psychology, or sociology, or advanced professional training in psychology, law, behavioral health, counseling or social work.

Life Span Developmental Science Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, York

This option focuses on the understanding of contemporary methodological approaches to the acquisition of scientific knowledge about individual development over the life span and about family development. This option provides preparation for advanced training in careers in developmental or family research, teaching at a college or university, or for professional careers that require graduate training. Courses within this option emphasize a thorough understanding of the theory and methods of developmental and family theory and research. An approved, multi-semester research practicum is an integral component of this option. Typical postgraduate pursuits of students completing this option include graduate study in human development, family studies, psychology, or sociology, or advanced professional training in psychology, law, behavioral health, social work, or in other programs related to services for individuals and families.

What is Human Development and Family Studies?

Penn State’s Human Development and Family Studies program is designed to help you learn about the intricacies of individual and family development across the lifespan and the foundations of working in a wide range of human services with many different groups of people. We will support you as you learn about promoting healthy development, identifying and managing real-life problems, and intervening when appropriate. Through HDFS’s interdisciplinary approach, you will explore the biological, psychological, and the sociological facets of life in order to help others live healthy, successful lives. With coursework on child and adolescent development, adult development and aging, family studies, and approaches to interventions and helping, you will learn how individuals progress and change from birth to old age; how families and communities influence these processes; and how to apply this knowledge in order to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions designed to improve people’s lives.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You have always been curious about human behavior and family relationships, and how people relate to one another.
  • You are passionate about pursuing a career in which you develop, implement or evaluate interventions designed to improve the lives of individuals and families.
  • You plan to pursue one of the many careers in which an understanding of individual and family development across the lifespan would be useful (e.g., counseling, education, health professions, business, policy/advocacy).

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 3-5
Requirements for the Major 73-76

3-4 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes 3-4 credits of General Education GQ courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. HDFS requires students to complete 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for this major.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
HDFS 129Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies Keystone/General Education Course3
HDFS 301Values and Ethics in Health and Human Development Professions3
HDFS 311Human Development and Family Studies Interventions3
HDFS 312WEmpirical Inquiry in Human Development3
HDFS 315Family Development 13
HDFS 418Family Relationships3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
STAT 200Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or EDPSY 101 Analysis and Interpretation of Statistical Data in Education Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Infant and Child Development Keystone/General Education Course
Adolescent Development Keystone/General Education Course
Adult Development and Aging Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of United States Cultures 23
Requirements for the Option
Select an option43-45
1

This course fulfills the University's United States Cultures requirement.

2

This course is in addition to the 6 credits of United States Cultures and International Cultures.

Requirements for the Option

Life Span Human Services Option (43-45 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, World Campus, York

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
HDFS 411The Helping Relationship3
HDFS 414Resolving Human Development and Family Problems3
HDFS 455Development and Administration of Human Services Programs3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Infant Development
Advanced Child Development
Developmental Transition to Adulthood
Development Throughout Adulthood
Select 6 credits from 300- or 400-level HDFS courses6
Select 13-15 credits in one of the following:13-15
Approved field practice in a human service setting:
Professional Development and Preparation for Internship Experience
Internship: Advanced Experience
Internship: Advanced Project
Approved group project or field practice in human service setting:
Project Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation in the Human Services
Human Services Seminar
Professional Practicum in Human Services
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 12 credits (minimum of 6 credits at the 400 level) in consultation with adviser from University-wide offerings that develop competency in the option (a grade of C or better is required in any HDFS course taken to satisfy this requirement)12
Life Span Developmental Science Option (45 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, York

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
HDFS 494Research Project6
or HDFS 494H Senior Honors Thesis
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Infant Development
Advanced Child Development
Developmental Transition to Adulthood
Development Throughout Adulthood
Select 15 credits (minimum of 9 credits at the 400-level) from HDFS courses15
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 18 credits (minimum of 9 credits at the 400 level) in consultation with adviser from University-wide offerings that develop competency in option (a grade of C or better is required in any HDFS course taken to satisfy this requirement)18

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Understand Development: Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of individual and family development across the life span in diverse contexts and changing environments
  • Evaluate and Assess Research and Theory: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and apply research and theory to practice and policy
  • Analyze Human Service Delivery Factors: Analyze processes, policies, and contextual factors that affect the delivery of human services to individuals and families
  • Demonstrate Appropriate Standards of Conduct: Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive standards of conduct
  • Human Service Admin Skills: Demonstrate knowledge and competence in helping, leadership, and administrative skills for human services
  • DEI: Integrate theory and research on inequality and diversity into HDFS undergraduate courses to prepare our students to address inequality and promote equity, inclusion, and well-being for all people.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Melissa Wetzel, M.A., LPC, NCC
Academic Adviser
119 Health and Human Development Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-8000
mup874@psu.edu

Altoona

Lauren Jacobson
Associate Teaching Professor
123 Hawthorn Building
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5333
lpj100@psu.edu

Brandywine

Jennifer Zosh
Associate Professor Human Development and Family Studies
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1438
jmz15@psu.edu

DuBois

Jessica Clontz, M.Ed., CRC
Assistant Teaching Professor, Human Development and Family Studies
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4833
jlb5810@psu.edu

Fayette

Elaine Barry
Associate Professor
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4284
esb12@psu.edu

Harrisburg

Hannah Mudrick, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building W314
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6404
hxm99@psu.edu

Mont Alto

Robin Yaure
Associate HDFS Professor and Program Coordinator of HDFS & Psychology
112 Weistling Hall
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6210
r2y@psu.edu

Scranton

Janet Melnick
Associate Teaching Professor
111B Dawson Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2674
jam81@psu.edu

Shenango

Roxanne Atterholt
Instructor
147 Shenango Avenue
102 McDowell Hall
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2953
rxa32@psu.edu

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

York

Amber Majeske, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies
13 John J. Romano Administrative Building
York, PA 17403
717-771-4029
ajs49@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Life Span Developmental Sciences Option: Human Development and Family Studies, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 129*3HDFS 229, 239, or 249N*3
HDFS 197 (HDFS First-Year Seminar)2General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C recommended)3
General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15 recommended)3General Education Course (GQ)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (GS)3
PSU First-Year Seminar1 
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 315*3HDFS 301*3
HDFS 229, 239, or 249N*3HDFS 311*3
EDPSY 101, STAT 200, or HDFS 200*‡†3-4HDFS 312W*13
General Education Course (GN)3HDFS-US Cultures Requirement*3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 16.5-17.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 310M (or HDFS selection, see degree audit)*3-4HDFS 300 (or HDFS selection, see degree audit)*3
HDFS 428, 429, 433, or 445*3HDFS 418*3
Supporting Course23HDFS 428, 429, 433, or 445*3
General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A recommended)3Supporting Course 400-level23
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3
 15-16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 494 or 494H*3HDFS 494 or 494H*3
HDFS 400-level*3HDFS 400-level*3
HDFS 400-level*3Supporting Course 400-level23
Supporting Course 400-level23Supporting Course23
Elective2General Education (GHW)1.5
 14 13.5
Total Credits 119-121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students are encouraged to take HDFS 312W during the second year, if possible. In consultation with an adviser, students will find a faculty member during their 5th or 6th semesters to serve as the supervisor for HDFS 494 research project. This is a two-semester senior-year project, culminating in a Semester 8 research paper.

2

Students are encouraged to review the HDFS Supporting Courses list for appropriate courses to fulfill the supporting course requirements.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

It is recommended that General Education Arts (GA) and Humanities (GH) courses be taken in the third and fourth year if student plans to study abroad.  HDFS US Cultures Requirement suggested in Semester 4 is in addition to the university requirement. HDFS 315 satisfies the university requirement for US Cultures. International Cultures (IL) may be combined with GA, GH, or GS.  Credit adjustments should be made if elective credits are needed, for a total of 120 credits minimum (which includes Semester 8)

LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: Per Senate policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum.

Life Span Human Services Option: Human Development and Family Studies, B.S. at University Park Campus and World Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 129*3HDFS 229, 239, or 249N*3
HDFS 297 (HDFS First-Year Seminar)2EDPSY 101, STAT 200, or HDFS 200*‡†3-4
General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15 recommended)3General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C recommended)3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GQ)3General Education Course (GS)3
PSU First-Year Seminar1 
 15 15-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 315*3HDFS 311*3
HDFS 229, 239, or 249N*3General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A recommended)3
HDFS 312W*13General Education Course (GN)3
Supporting Course23General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 16.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 301*3HDFS 418*3
HDFS 411*3HDFS 414*3
HDFS 300 or 400-level course*3HDFS 428, 429, 433, or 445*3
Supporting Course 400-Level23HDFS 300 or 400-level course*3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 16.5 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 401 or 490*3, 42-3HDFS 495A or 495C*58-9
HDFS 455*3HDFS 495B or 402*53-4
HDFS US Cultures Requirement*3 
Supporting Course 400-level23 
Elective4 
 15-16 11-13
Total Credits 119-123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students are encouraged to take HDFS 312W during the second year, if possible.

2

Students are encouraged to review the HDFS Supporting Courses list for appropriate courses to fulfill the supporting course requirements.

3

Enroll in HDFS 401 only if HDFS 402 and HDFS 495C will be taken. World Campus students will take HDFS 490.

4

Enroll in HDFS 490 only if HDFS 495A and 495B will be taken.

5

Students at University Park and World Campus will take HDFS 495A (9 cr.) and HDFS 495B (3 cr.). Students at a Commonwealth Campus will take HDFS 495C (8 cr.) and HDFS 402 (4 cr.)

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

Honors Students should be in the Life Span Developmental Sciences option. See Adviser to discuss.

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

It is recommended that General Education Arts (GA) and Humanities (GH) courses be taken in the third and fourth year if student plans to study abroad.  HDFS US Cultures Requirement suggested in Semester 4 is in addition to the university requirement. HDFS 315 satisfies the university requirement for US Cultures. International Cultures (IL) may be combined with GA, GH, or GS.  Credit adjustments should be made if elective credits are needed, for a total of 120 credits minimum (which includes Semester 8)

LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: Per Senate policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum.

Elementary & Early Childhood Education Concurrent Degree: Human Development and Family Studies, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153HDFS 229*#3
HDFS 129*3EDPSY 14*#3
EDTHP 115*#3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
MATH 200*#13EDPSY 101 or STAT 200*#†3-4
General Education Course (GN) Biological Sciences*#†3General Education Course (GH) US History*3
PSU First-Year Seminar (HDFS or Education)1 
 16 15-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 315*3HDFS 311*3
HDFS 239*†3CI 280*3
CI 295A or HDFS 330*23HDFS 312W*33
GEOG 30N, 123, or 126*†3KINES 126*4, 51.5
General Education Course (GH) Literature*†3General Education Course (GQ)*3
General Education Course (GN) Earth Science*3General Education Course (GN) Physical Science*3
 18 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ECE 451*3ECE 479*3
HDFS 411*3HDFS 418*3
SPLED 400*4HDFS 414*3
ENGL 202A or 202B3HDFS 428*3
 KINES 127*4, 51.5
 13 13.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 429*3LLED 400*3
HDFS 455*3LLED 401*3
HDFS 301*3LLED 402*3
SPLED 403A*3AED 303*3
General Education Course (GA)3MUSIC 241*3
 15 15
Fifth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MTHED 420*3CI 495F*63
SCIED 458*3CI 495D*612
SSED 430W*3No additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching
CI 495A*3 
US Cultures*3 
 15 15
Total Credits 152-153
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Enrollment into MATH 200 is controlled. Students must work closely with an academic adviser to secure enrollment in this class.

2

Due to certification requirements, students in EECE are encouraged to take CI 295A, not HDFS 330.

3

Students are encouraged to take HDFS 312W during the second year, if possible.

4

Alternate courses can be found at: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate-teacher-education-pk-12/elementary-early-childhood-education-bs-pk-4/suggested-courses

5

Petitioning for KINES 126 and/or 127 to fulfill the GHW requirement will require 1.5-3 credits of additional electives. 

6

HDFS will use CI 495F and CI 495D for the HDFS internship block. 

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

  • General Education Natural Science (GN) with a lab is required for the EECE major.
  • Credits may be reduced if students have approved AP credits or transfer credits to apply to the curriculum requirements.
  • The College of Education requires students enrolled in the EECE PK-4 program to purchase a notebook computer.
  • Eligibility for entrance to the PK-4 teaching option in the Childhood and Early Adolescent (EECE) major is based on: (1) formal application, (2) completion of specified prerequisites, and (3) cumulative grade point average.
  • Students must participate in a formal Entrance to Major process in a designated selection pool typically during the fourth semester in the Spring.

LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION Per Senate policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum.

Career Paths

The demand for HDFS graduates is strong because the HDFS major provides students with a valuable foundation for understanding important social trends: The population of older people is growing, and the number of trained persons who can provide help and assistance to them falls far short of the need; Social problems such as child abuse and drug and alcohol problems affect many individuals and families; Young adults face many social and economic pressures that can lead to problems in work and relationships.

Careers

Many HDFS graduates go directly to the workplace based on their understanding of people, their knowledge of group dynamics, and their skills in training and in program development and evaluation. Many positions are in human services and health care settings while others are in business and industry, including:

  • Assisted living, adult day services and nursing homes
  • Day-care centers and preschools
  • Drug and alcohol treatment centers and hospitals
  • Child and domestic abuse centers and runaway shelters
  • Human resources or marketing departments of large companies
  • Development/fundraising for educational or nonprofit organizations

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

The HDFS major is also excellent preparation for graduate school in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. In recent years, our majors have pursued graduate studies in:

  • Counseling (e.g., school counseling, counseling psychology)
  • Social work Health professions (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, medicine)
  • Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Law and Business

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES
119 Health and Human Development Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-8000
mup874@psu.edu

https://hhd.psu.edu/hdfs

World Campus

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES
119 Health and Human Development Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-8000
sac301@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-human-development-and-family-studies-bachelor-of-science-degree

Altoona

DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
123 Hawthorn Building
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
914-949-5333
lpj100@psu.edu

https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/human-development-family-studies

Brandywine

25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1438
jmz15@psu.edu

https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/human-development-and-family-studies

DuBois

1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4833
jlb5810@psu.edu

https://dubois.psu.edu/academics/degrees/hdfs/bachelor

Fayette

2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4284
esb12@psu.edu

https://fayette.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/human-development-and-family-studies-bs

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Olmsted Building, W314
717-948-6059
dlk33@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/behavioral-sciences-education/human-development-family-studies-bs

Mont Alto

112 Wiestling Hall
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6210
r2y@psu.edu

https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/hdfs

Scranton

111B Dawson Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2674
jam81@psu.edu

https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/hdfs

Shenango

147 Shenango Avenue
102 McDowell Hall
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2953
rxa32@psu.edu

https://shenango.psu.edu/academics/degrees/human-development-family-studies

York

13 John J. Romano Administrative Building
York, PA 17403
717-771-4029
ajs49@psu.edu

https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/human-development-and-family-studies