B.S. in Human Development and Family Science: Child & Adolescent Development
Gain knowledge of family and human development over the life span. In the online B.S. in Human Development and Family Science: Child & Adolescent Development option degree program students gain an understanding of the development of children and adults and their interaction in the family and society. In human development and family science students may focus coursework on promoting child health and protection or understanding and meeting the needs of older children and adolescents.
Child and adolescent development jobs and other career directions through HDFS can be divided into two general areas:
- Direct Service to Children and Families--community service worker, outreach worker, parent educator, gerontology outreach, extension agent, financial counselor, child life specialist.
- Support Service to Children and Families--program director for nursing or retirement facility, child care director, community and human service worker, consultant in human development, hospital-related services, researcher, child advocate, family life education.
These career opportunities include extension agent, Head Start program director, child care director, home visitor for Head Start, crisis family counselor, hospital child life specialist, family life educator, developmental disabilities worker, volunteer coordinator, parent support specialist, parent educator, financial counselor and financial planner.
Some of the careers listed above require a planned minor or a double major. Other careers require preparations beyond the bachelor's level. An HDFS degree is excellent preparation for students considering graduate work in counseling, family therapy or child and family development.
View Human Development and Family Science Program Fact Sheet
If you are interested in a graduate-level program check out our online M.S. in HDFS: Youth Development option.
"I am back at college after a 30 year period. I live 200 miles away from NDSU and have always wanted to complete my degree, and now I can online. The classes are challenging and interesting. I am so happy that this option is available."
- Jacalyn, Langdon, ND
HDFS 320 Prenatal Infant/Toddler Development
Sample Plan of Study
HDFS Core Courses: (20 CREDITS)
- HDFS 135 Family Science (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 135 Lifespan Development (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 250 Intro to Research Methods in CDFS (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 353 Children, Families and Public Policy (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 475 Children and Families Across Cultures (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 496 Field Experience (5 CREDITS)
Child & Adolescent Development Core Courses: (9 CREDITS)
- HDFS 320 Prenatal, Infant and Toddler Development (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 330 Child Development (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 450 Adolescent Development (3 CREDITS)
HDFS Major Electives: (9 CREDITS)
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HDFS Electives (9 CREDITS)
Must be 300-400 level and cannot include HDFS 496.
Additional Courses:
- HD&E 320 Professional Issues (1 CREDIT)
- Electives (43 CREDITS)
- A minor from outside the HDFS Department is required.
- General education requirements (40 CREDITS)
Total Credits: 122
Admission
Apply for admission
View Getting Started Guide
Contact Information
NDSU Department of Human Development and Family Science
Phone: 701-231-8268
Email: Jim.Deal@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hdfs/
NDSU Distance & Continuing Education
Phone: 1-800-726-1724 or 701-231-7015
Email: ndsu.dce@ndsu.edu
NDSU Office of Admission
Phone: 1-800-488-6378
Email: ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/