Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Throughout our lives, we go through many major changes. Born helpless, we are transformed through the years -- from infant to child to adolescent to adult. And through it all, we are shaped by our families, our communities, and our society.
Students of human development and family studies (HDFS) look at how people grow and how they form relationships throughout their lives. They explore the dynamics between people within their families as well as those between families and the greater world.
HDFS majors explore the ways in which people develop -- physically, emotionally, and intellectually -- within the framework of family and society. Subjects of study include human growth and development, strategies for promoting growth, and family systems.
“HDFS is particularly exciting because it has such a profound impact on and relevance to the daily lives of children, adults, the elderly, families, and communities. ”
Eva L. Essa, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Nevada: Reno
Are You Ready To...?
- Attend lectures
- Take part in class discussion
- Write papers
- Take essay exams
- Study interactions in a variety of settings, such as community centers and preschools
It Helps to Be...
Intrigued by human nature and the factors that shape it. If you want to understand what makes people behave the way they do and help people with their problems, this could be the major for you.
College Checklist
- Will you be able to specialize in a specific area, such as infant development or family communication?
- In what areas are professors experts?
- Are there preschools, family counseling centers, or other services on or near campus where you can get hands-on experience?
Did You Know?
- Getting a degree in HDFS prepares you for a range of occupations in the human services sector. You might, for example, work as a program coordinator at a community center or, after getting a master's degree, as a marriage and family therapist.
Course Spotlight
In a course on lifespan human development, you’ll learn what the HDFS major is all about. You’ll study the phases of human development, from conception through death.
You’ll consider each phase from many angles, including social, intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. Topics include the biological roots of physical development and the mental development of school children. You’ll practice scientific observation and learn how to write up your conclusions.
