At which campus can I study this program?
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:
- Life Span Human Services option
- 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:
- understanding the biological, psychological, and social development across the life span, and the structuring and functioning of families;
- understanding basic theoretical and methodological issues; and
- 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:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
- 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)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies  | 3 |
| HDFS 301 | Values and Ethics in Health and Human Development Professions | 3 |
| HDFS 311 | Human Development and Family Studies Interventions | 3 |
| HDFS 312W | Empirical Inquiry in Human Development | 3 |
| HDFS 315 | Family Development 1 | 3 |
| HDFS 418 | Family Relationships | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 3-4 |
| or EDPSY 101 | Analysis and Interpretation of Statistical Data in Education | |
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Infant and Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Select 3 credits of United States Cultures 2 | 3 | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 43-45 | |
- 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| HDFS 411 | The Helping Relationship | 3 |
| HDFS 414 | Resolving Human Development and Family Problems | 3 |
| HDFS 455 | Development and Administration of Human Services Programs | 3 |
| 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 courses | 6 | |
| 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| HDFS 494 | Research Project | 6 |
| 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 courses | 15 | |
| 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 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
- Understanding of the complexity of individual and family development across the lifespan in diverse contexts and in changing environments;
- Ability to evaluate and apply theory and research to practice and policy;
- Ability to analyze processes, policies, and contextual factors that affect the delivery of human services to individuals and families;
- Professional ethical and culturally sensitive standards of conduct
- Knowledge and competence in helping, leadership, and administrative human service skills.
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
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
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
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 Human Services Option: Human Development and Family Studies, B.S. at Altoona 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 129* | 3 | HDFS 229, 239, or 249N* | 3 |
| ENGL 15 or 30H‡ | 3 | CAS 100‡ | 3 |
| PSU 3 | 1 | STAT 200 or EDPSY 101 (GQ)*† | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education (GQ)‡ | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15-16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 229, 239, or 249N (GS)* | 3 | ENGL 202A (GWS)‡ | 3 |
| HDFS 311* | 3 | HDFS 312W or 315Y* | 3 |
| HDFS 312W or 315Y* | 3 | Supporting Course* | 3 |
| HDFS Supporting Course*# | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16.5 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 433 or 445* | 3 | HDFS 301* | 3 |
| HDFS 400-level Supporting Course | 3 | HDFS 428 or 429* | 3 |
| HDFS 400-level Supporting Course | 3 | HDFS 411* | 3 |
| Other US Cultures Course | 3 | HDFS Supporting Course* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 401* | 3 | HDFS 402* | 4 |
| HDFS 414* | 3 | HDFS 495C* | 8 |
| HDFS 418* | 3 | ||
| HDFS 455* | 3 | ||
| HDFS Supporting Course or Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 121-122 | |||
- *
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
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.
Advising Notes
- GWS, GQ, GA, GH, GS, GN and GHW are codes used to identify General Education requirements.
- US, IL, and US;IL are codes used to designate courses that satisfy University United States/International Cultures requirements. All students are required to take one IL and one US course before graduation. A course designated as US;IL may be used as a US or an IL, not both.
- W suffix signifies the course satisfies the University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
Program Notes
Students must complete a 3-credit course in “United States Cultures (US)” and a 3-credit course in “International Cultures (IL).”
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
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
Contact
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
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
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
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