Human development and family science (HDFS) (Degree-Completer, Online) is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that applies extensive knowledge and research to understand individuals and families in the context of a rapidly changing world. This discipline is dedicated to exploring the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual development of individuals from birth through adulthood, examining how this personal growth influences the dynamics within the family unit.
Students in this major acquire both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge to equip them with the skills needed to plan, implement, and assess educational programs and services. The overarching goal is to enhance family functioning within the broader societal framework. The curriculum comprehensively explores the ten content areas essential for becoming a certified family life educator through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). These content areas include families and individuals in societal contexts, internal dynamics of families, human growth and development across the lifespan, human sexuality, interpersonal relationships, family resource management, parent education and guidance, family law and public policy, professional ethics and practice, and family life education methodology. The HDFS Online Degree Completer option is only available to students who have earned a transferable two-year degree from a state institution. Those students may apply 60 hours of credit toward the 128-hour requirement for the award of a bachelor’s degree. This transferable degree will satisfy all General Education requirements.
