About the major
Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) majors develop knowledge and experience about individuals and families through observation, interaction, research and writing. Our curriculum offers students a solid background in statistics, as well as the physical sciences, and provides opportunities for students to implement skills they have mastered through a required practicum course.
Options within the Major
Students may opt for a B.S. in HDFS, for a degree with honors or to take an advanced program of study with honors. They also have the option to pursue a B.S.A. degree. For more, please see All Undergraduate Programs.
Courses HDFS Students Take
Get a sense for some of the courses that many of our majors take below. A more complete list for each catalog may be found when you search for your degree option by the year of entry or catalog.
Entry-Level Requirements
Natural Sciences students declare a degree and a major after receiving passing grades in key courses. For HDFS, these are typically:
- Math or Statistics: Differential Calculus for Science (M 408N) or Foundations of Data Analysis (SDS 302F)
- Human Development and Family Sciences: Family Relationships (HDF 304); Child Development Lecture / Lab (HDF 313 / HDF 113L); Research Methods (HDF 315L)
Examples of Courses
Students take additional courses in the major and other disciplines, such as:
- Principles of Chemistry
- Introductory Biology
- Psychology and other Social Sciences
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Ethical, Philosophy & Professional Development