Discover how research and graduate training in HDFS provides students with the knowledge needed to contribute to the field of human development. Learn more

Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) program prepares students for careers across a wide range of human service, healthcare, and helping professions. The HDFS degree is grounded in research-based knowledge on the psychological, biological, social, cultural, and economic influences that impact the well-being of individuals ...

Students pursuing the HDFS major must complete HDFS 129N plus two of the three 200-level developmental courses (HDFS 229, HDFS 239, HDFS 249N). This course may count toward the minor in HDFS.

Explore the two HDFS degree options: Human Development and Family Science and Developmental Science for Health Professions. Take an HDFS class. The major offers many popular General Education courses. Explore student supports and opportunities, including information about HDFS internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.

The requirements for the HDFS minor are very straight-forward, consisting of 18 credits of HDFS course work. Three credits: Take HDFS 129. Nine credits: Choose from HDFS courses at any level —100, 200, 300, or 400-level.

Dr. Crissman Ishler also instructs HDFS 311 and HDFS 414 for Penn State World Campus. Additionally, she is the creator, author, and instructor of upper-level HDFS offerings available through Penn State and Penn State World Campus on …

Penn State’s Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to help you explore how the biological, psychological, and the sociological facets of life in order to help others live healthy, successful lives.

The HDFS program offers opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to actual human experiences to find practical solutions to the obstacles individuals and families face to promote well-being. As an HDFS student, you will complete an internship at a human service agency or business locally, nationally, or globally.

Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) program prepares students for careers across a wide range of human service, healthcare, and helping professions. The HDFS degree is grounded in research-based knowledge on the psychological, biological, social, cultural, and economic influences that impact the well-being of individuals ...

Penn State DuBois offers two degrees in Human Development and Family Studies designed to prepare students for careers as human service workers: the associate (2-year) degree and the baccalaureate (4-year) degree. All of the credits earned in the associate degree program apply toward the baccalaureate degree.