Human Development and Family Studies is a multidisciplinary program that examines the development of individuals and families across the life span. Students learn about individual, family, community, and social factors influencing development, as well as evidence-based practices that promote the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional well-being of children, adults, families, organizations, and communities.
Revamped curriculum emphasizes flexibility
Recent updates have been made to the HDFS program that are intended to provide new options, more flexibility, and a variety of electives, to best serve students and align with the most in-demand career paths.
The Developmental Science for Health Professions option is tailored to meet the demands of careers in nursing, occupational therapy, public health, health care administration, and medicine. It provides a solid foundation for students aiming to enter these critical and high-demand fields.
The new curriculum also includes a variety of electives, allowing students to customize their learning experience. This flexibility supports the pursuit of concurrent majors or minors, enhancing students' academic and professional prospects.
Two Options Available at Penn State Harrisburg
Penn State Harrisburg offers two options for the HDFS program:
- Human Development and Family Science
- Developmental Science for Health Professions
Both options focus 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 and health and wellness. Through course work, internships, and research projects, students develop skills relevant to career objectives, such as counseling, health care, education, support services, and program planning.
Prepare for careers serving youth, adults, and older adults
- Child, youth, & family services
- Early childhood development (e.g., childcare, applied behavioral analysis, early intervention)
- Public health, health care administration, health professions
- Drug and alcohol counseling
- Case management
- Foster care and adoption
- Services for older adults
- Services for individuals with disabilities
- Non-profit leadership
- Program administration & advocacy
Easily transfer from HACC, Thaddeus Stevens, and elsewhere
Students who started their academic life at Harrisburg Area Community College or Thaddeus Stevens College (or elsewhere) can easily transfer to Penn State to complete their HDFS degree. See our Transfer Guides to determine what courses are recognized and accepted by our program.
HDFS Internship Experiences
This degree option also requires an approved internship in a setting that serves children, youth, adults, or the aged. Listen to several of our students and recent graduates describe their internship experiences in the video below.
