Human Development and Family Studies

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Human Development And Family Studies Degree

Degree Overview

This Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) combines coursework and field experience in individual and family development across the lifespan. Learn how individuals develop and change, how family, community, and society affect human development, and how to apply this knowledge in career areas such as early childhood services, adolescent intervention, programming for older adults, support for children and families in hospital settings, and community outreach. Coursework builds skills in observation, program development and implementation, grant writing, and social policy information as these relate to diverse populations.

  • Are you curious about the way human beings grow and develop from infancy to adulthood?
  • Do you wonder how environmental and social factors affect physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development?
  • Are you an early childhood professional or thinking of a career focused on the developmental needs of young children?
  • Do you currently work or are interested in working with children, families, or the elderly?
  • Are you considering a career in family counseling, youth services, or education programs?

If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," then a degree in Human Development and Family Studies may be the right path for you.

Requirements

This is an undergraduate degree completion program. A total of 120 credits is required for graduation. Of these 120 credits, a total of 42 upper-division credits (300- or 400-level) is required with a minimum of 30 upper-division credits earned at Colorado State University. The number of courses you will need to complete your degree will depend primarily on how many earlier credits transfer. Learn more about the degree requirements

Curriculum

This online program gives you the flexibility to take courses at your own pace. The coursework provides a strong foundation in human development and family studies theory and research. You also take experiential learning courses in addition to courses focused on your career interests. Learn more about the curriculum

Career Opportunities

With the well-rounded background in human development and family studies acquired through this program and guided by your interests and plan of study, you have many career options available. Learn more about career opportunities

For Kristin DePue, the online HDFS program lifted a huge weight off her shoulders, making her life easier to manage, while saving her the long drive to campus. And that added flexibility allowed her to spend valuable time with her family.
Read more »

How to Apply

This program requires that you have at least 60 semester hours of transferable college credit or have completed an associate's degree. Learn more about how to apply and transferring credits

Learning Experience

Although the online format of this degree offers flexibility, it still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus program. Depending on your learning and studying style, expect to spend at least nine to twelve hours per week on a three credit course.

This program strives to be interactive and requires you to be an active participant in class. Your interactions with faculty and fellow students depend on the specific course, but each course generally has online or telephone office hours, email contact, discussions, and weekly assignments. More information about online learning

Questions? Ask us.

We'll be in touch within 2 business days.

- or contact -

Frances Betts
(970) 491-0675
frances.betts@colostate.edu

Receive periodic emails about this program.

Degree at a Glance

Delivery

Online. On-campus attendance is not required to complete this program.

Total credits

120 credits (a minimum of 60 credits must be transferred into the program)

Tuition

$319 per credit
(financial aid available)

Time frame

The program duration will vary based on your learning style, intensity of study, previous coursework, and career objectives. Summer courses are not required although most courses are available during summer.

Generally, individual courses are 16 weeks in Fall and Spring and 12 weeks in Summer. See each course page for details.

Designed for

Individuals who wish to expand their professional options for working with infants and toddlers, school-aged children, adolescents, adults, and/or families.

What you will earn

You will earn the same regionally-accredited Colorado State University degree that a student on the Fort Collins campus is awarded. Your diploma and transcript are identical to those awarded to on-campus students.