The fast-track master of social work (M.S.W.) with a bachelor of arts (B.A.) in human development and family science (Online, Degree-Completer) (HDFS) 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.
This fast-track program is only available to students who have earned a transferable two-year degree (A.A. or A.S.) from a state institution. Those students may apply 60 hours of undergraduate transfer credit toward the 128-hour requirement for the award of the bachelor’s degree. The transferable associate’s degree will satisfy all General Education requirements.
The HDFS program is designed for students who plan to continue their career path by earning a master of social work (M.S.W.). The first years of the B.A. are comprised of courses from the associate’s degree and the HDFS major. The remaining B.A. graduation requirements are met upon the completion of the first 30 credits of M.S.W. graduate-level courses. An additional 30 credits of M.S.W. graduate-level courses are needed to earn the M.S.W. Students must be accepted into the M.S.W. to complete the B.A. It is important to work closely with an academic advisor to ensure all graduation requirements are met.
