Human Development and Family Studies students are required to gain experience through an internship with an agency or organization matching their interests and goals. The internship experience involves a three course sequence of which 6-9 credits must be earned at a placement site. Additional information on internship planning and opportunities is available from the program office.
Internships that serve children, youth, adults, or the aged
- The HDFS program strongly focuses on student preparation for internship.
- Students generally start preparing in the first semester of their third year.
- The program stresses the internship as an extension of students’ coursework.
- Students are encouraged to strategically select their internship to suit their professional and/or graduate school goals.
Recent HDFS internship placements
- Contact Helpline
- Diakon Lutheran Services
- Mazzetti and Sullivan Counseling Services
- VISTA School
- County Children and Youth
- Bethany Christian Services
- Various child care centers
- Penn State Harrisburg Career Studies Program
- Hospice
- Caitlin Smiles
- Various after school programs
- Victim Services of Cumberland County
- Milton Hershey School
- Department of Health
- Ronald McDonald House at Hershey Medical Center
- Various nursing homes
- Select Medical
- Capital Blue Cross
- YWCA
- Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg
- The PROGRAM: It’s About Change
- PA DPW Bureau of Human Service Licensing
- Office of Child Development and Early Learning
- Head Start
- United Methodist Home for Children