Be sure to refer to the Suggested Academic Plan and consult with your adviser regarding the proper sequence of courses.
The Human Development and Family Studies program has two specialization options:
- Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)
- Developmental Science for Health Professions (DSHP)
Both options preparing students to work with individuals and families across the lifespan in numerous community settings to promote health and wellness.
Coursework is balanced with strategic field experiences. Students are provided with opportunities to engage with the community throughout their first few years through projects and practicums. Students complete a full time internship during their last year in the program.
Specialized courses for the Human Development and Family Science option include:
- Infant, child, and adult development
- Family relationships and functioning
- Skills and Ethics
- Human service delivery, program development, and administration
- Intervention
- Diversity and Development
- Intensive, hands-on, internship, and research options
Specialized courses for the Developmental Science for Health Professions option include:
- Global health
- Health in Contexts
- Science
Many students majoring in Human Development and Family Studies get a job immediately after graduation in some of the most in-demand jobs in the market (e.g., mental health professional, program specialist, or health-related careers).
This page is not a part of the official Penn State University Bulletin.