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. HDFS prepares graduates 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 as well as applied skill development. We strive for our curriculum (and the experiences and opportunities we extend to students) to foster cultural humility and highlight diverse characteristics, contexts and considerations that impact individuals, families, and communities.
Two options are available within the major:
- Human Development and Family Science Option
- Developmental Science for Health Professions Option
All students pursuing the HDFS B.S. are guided to complete a capstone experience customized to their interests. Capstones may include approved field experiences (internships), guided research experiences/projects, and advanced coursework selected to align with individual student interests.
Human Development and Family Science 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.
Students in this option often pursue internships in service settings that work with children, youth, and/or adults. 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. This option also 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. 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, or other programs related to services for individuals and families.
Developmental Science for Health Professions Option
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, York
This option is designed for students interested in focusing on human development/developmental science as a foundation to pursue health-related post graduate studies or work careers. This option guides students to acquire and apply scientific knowledge about human development (and family functioning) across the life span; emphasizing understanding biological, psychological, and social development across the life span. Additional coursework focuses on health across contexts. Students also select science foundation courses to complement their study of development across the lifespan and align with their career/post-graduate study interests. Typical postgraduate pursuits of students completing this option include graduate or professional studies in health-related areas (e.g. pediatrics, adolescent medicine, geriatrics, family medicine, psychiatry).
What is Human Development and Family Studies?
Penn State's baccalaureate degree in HDFS prepares students for careers across a range of human service, health care, and helping professions. Coursework guides students to develop the knowledge and skills for their future careers through emphasizing (1) psychological, biological, social, cultural, and economic influences that impact well-being, (2) evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, and (3) applied skills for impact. The Human Development and Family Science option prepares students for a range of human service and advocacy positions in non-profit and human service organizations, businesses, and government, or to pursue graduate training in social work, counseling, clinical psychology, applied behavior analysis, public policy, program administration and management, law, child life, or research. The Developmental Science or Health Professions option prepares students for graduate study in medicine, psychiatry, occupational therapy, accelerated nursing, physician assistant and other health-related fields. This option includes flexibility to complete pre-health requirements while HDFS requirements emphasize many core competencies recommended by the American Medical Association.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in working to improve the lives and wellness of individuals, families, and communities.
- You are passionate about working to reduce inequality, advocate for change, and improve well-being through policy, law, and advocacy.
- You are committed to developing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to pursue medical school, psychiatry, occupational therapy, or accelerated nursing, physician assistant or other health professions programs.
- You are excited by developmental research, social program design, and non-profit or government program administration.
- You are eager to utilize flexible degree requirements to explore careers, pursue experiential learning opportunities, and develop your skills.
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 | 12-18 |
| Requirements for the Major | 60-67 |
3-4 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3-4 credits of 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.
Requirements for the Major
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade 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 216 | Thoughtful Communication for Navigating Human Interactions and Relationships | 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 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following courses in Introduction to Human Development and Family Science: | 3 | |
Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies  | ||
| Helping People: Introduction to Understanding Social Problems & How to Help | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following courses in Foundations of Lifespan Human Development: | 6 | |
| Infant and Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following courses in Family Foundations: | 3 | |
| Family Development | ||
| Family Development | ||
| Sociology of the Family | ||
| Select at least 3 credits from the following courses in Statistics/Quantitative Skills: | 3-4 | |
| Analysis and Interpretation of Statistical Data in Education | ||
| Quantitative Skills for Human Services | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| For the Career Development and Experiential Learning Capstone, select 15 credits from one of the following pathways: | 15 | |
Traditional Capstone Internship | ||
| Professional Development and Preparation for Internship Experience | ||
| Internship: Advanced Experience (9 credits) | ||
| Internship: Advanced Project | ||
Modified Internship (Option only available with department approval) | ||
| Professional Development and Preparation for Internship Experience | ||
| Internship: Advanced Project | ||
| Professional Practicum in Human Services (3 credits) | ||
6 Additional Credits with Department Approval | ||
Experiential Mix | ||
| Professional Development and Preparation for Internship Experience | ||
| Internship: Advanced Experience (3-6 credits) | ||
| Internship: Advanced Project | ||
3-6 Credits of 300-/400-Level Career-Related Course Work (with Department Approval) | ||
Research Emphasis | ||
| Research Project (6 credits) | ||
or HDFS 494H | Senior Honors Thesis | |
or HDFS 496 | Independent Studies | |
3 Credits of 400-Level HDFS | ||
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select an option | 18-24 | |
Requirements for the Option
Human Development and Family Science Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, World Campus, York
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following courses in Advanced Development: | 3 | |
| Gender and Social Development | ||
| Developmental Problems in Adulthood | ||
| Infant Development | ||
| Advanced Child Development | ||
| Developmental Problems in Childhood and Adolescence | ||
| Developmental Transition to Adulthood | ||
| Perspectives on Aging | ||
| Development Throughout Adulthood | ||
| Issues in Gerontology | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following courses in Advanced Family Topics: | 3 | |
| Adult-Child Relationships | ||
| Program Development in Family Relationships | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the American Family | ||
| Biocultural Studies of Family Organization | ||
| Family Relationships | ||
| Family Development in an Economic Context | ||
| Family Disorganization: Stress Points in the Contemporary Family | ||
| Family Change in the Global Economy | ||
HDFS 477 | ||
| Family in Cross-Cultural Perspective | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following courses in Professional Skills for HDFS Careers: | 6 | |
| Communities and Families | ||
| The Helping Relationship | ||
| Resolving Human Development and Family Problems | ||
| Experience in Preschool Groups | ||
| Family Policy | ||
| Development and Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
| Child Maltreatment: Prevention and Treatment | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Diversity and Development: Select 6 credits from HDFS at any level or choose from approved list of University-wide offerings | 6 | |
Developmental Science for Health Professions Option (24 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, York
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following courses in Health and Society: | 3 | |
| Global Health Equity | ||
| Health, Disease & Society | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following courses in Advanced Development: | 6 | |
| Gender and Social Development | ||
| Developmental Problems in Adulthood | ||
| Infant Development | ||
| Advanced Child Development | ||
| Developmental Problems in Childhood and Adolescence | ||
| Developmental Transition to Adulthood | ||
| Perspectives on Aging | ||
| Development Throughout Adulthood | ||
| Issues in Gerontology | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Diversity and Development: Select 3 credits from HDFS at any level or choose from approved list of University-wide offerings | 3 | |
| Science and Health Foundations: Select 12 credits from approved list of University-wide offerings | 12 | |
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 P. Jacobson, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor, Human Development and Family Studies and Coordinator, Human Development and Family Studies Program
Hawthorn Building, 127
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
lpj100@psu.edu
Brandywine
Jennifer Zosh
Professor Human Development and Family Studies
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1438
jmz15@psu.edu
DuBois
Sarah Pierotti, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4852
slp5723@psu.edu
Fayette
Elaine Barry
Associate Professor
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4284
esb12@psu.edu
Harrisburg
A. Patricia Aquilera Hermida, M.F.T, D. Ed.
Associate Teaching Professor and HDFS Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building W314
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6227
aua240@psu.edu
Mont Alto
Robin Yaure
HDFS Professor and Program Coordinator of HDFS & Psychology
104F Sci/Tech Building
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6210
r2y@psu.edu
Scranton
Parminder Parmar, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Human Development and Family Studies
112E Dawson Building
120 Ridge View Drive
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2530
prp104@psu.edu
Shenango
Roxanne Atterholt
Associate Teaching Professor and Program Coordinator
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
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.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 2025-26 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Human Development and Family Science 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
Demand for HDFS graduates is strong because the major provides students with a valuable foundation for understanding important social trends and guides students to develop the knowledge and skills to positively impact individuals, families, and communities. HDFS Students can customize their degree to align with career interests. HDFS students specialize through minors, certificates and credit-based hands-on learning opportunities.
HDFS students complete a capstone experience customized to their interests and designed to enhance their qualifications. Capstones include approved internships, guided research experiences, or advanced courses. The HDFS department capstone program provides:
- A capstone preparation class to help students explore interests, identify opportunities, and submit professional applications - and -
- Experienced capstone coordinators to help students get the most out of the capstone experience
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. HDFS students pursue positions right out of college in:
- Health and Human Services Professions (e.g. youth and family services, child advocacy, health education)
- Early Childhood Development (e.g. early childhood education, early intervention specialists, applied behavioral analysis)
- Child and Youth Services
- Foster Care and Adoption
- Family Education and Intervention
- Services for Older Adults
- Services for Individuals with Disabilities
- Program Administration and Advocacy (e.g. volunteer coordination, program management and evaluation, human resources)
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
A degree in HDFS is also a great foundation for individuals who are interested in pursuing advanced professional training/graduate study in:
- Counseling (e.g., addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, counseling psychology, educational and vocational counseling)
- Social Work and Public Health
- Clinical Health Professions (e.g. psychiatry, pediatrics, adolescent medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, geriatrics, occupational therapy)
- Program Administration and Management
- Special Education
- Family Law
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- Research (e.g., on lifespan human development, psychology, sociology, prevention)
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Contact
Altoona
DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Hawthorn Building, 127
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
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
814-375-4852
slp5723@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
717-948-6227
aua240@psu.edu
https://harrisburg.psu.edu/behavioral-sciences-education/human-development-family-studies-bs
Mont Alto
1 Campus Drive
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
prp104@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
mup874@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-science