HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
and FAMILY SCIENCE/SOCIAL WORK

The dual-degree program in human development and family science and social work offers students an integrated knowledge of children, adolescents, adults and families across the lifespan that will equip them for careers in the helping professions. Students will gain a broad range of knowledge and skills that will equip them to address the needs and aspirations of people living in a changing world, and be eligible for North Dakota licensure as social workers.

The Program

Students are concurrently enrolled in the family science option of the human development and family science (HDFS) major at North Dakota State University and the social work major through Minot State University (MiSU). The culmination of these requirements leads to a Bachelor of Science from NDSU as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from MiSU.

Under a cooperative agreement, students remain on the NDSU campus to complete all course work for the dual degree. The courses that are specific to the social work major are offered on the NDSU campus by MiSU faculty or offered through interactive video.

Together the HDFS degree and the social work degree complement and strengthen the knowledge and skills that students will possess upon completion of this dual degree program. The curriculum combines course work in human development and family process with course work in social work. The curriculum includes a strong liberal arts base, studies in human development, family science, social work practice, social welfare, human behavior and research, and additional course work in economics, psychology, sociology and political science.

Selective Admission

Admission to the dual degree program consists of two separate university applications:

1. Application for admission to NDSU for the human development and family science/social work dual degree prior to beginning the program, and
2. Upon completion of specific requirements, application for admission to MISU social work program.

Field Education

Students are required to complete 450 hours of direct practice with either a public or private human service agency. This supervised field practice enables students to get valuable hands-on experience working with clients.

The social work program does not give academic credit for life experience or work experience, nor does the program allow such experience to be substituted for field education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of Student Financial Services at NDSU makes available grants, loans, scholarships and work-study employment. Scholarships also are available through the College of Human Development and Education at NDSU.

The Facilities

Facilities for the dual degree program are housed in Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall and the Family Life Center.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Students may enhance their involvement by participating in groups such as the HDFS Club and/or the Student Social Work Organization.

Community Setting

The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area offers a setting conducive to study. Students have the opportunity to work in a number of community institutions serving children and families.

Accrediting Agency

The social work program is accredited by:
The Council on Social Work Education
1701 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314-3457

Sample Curriculum

*HDFS 196, 242 and 496 cannot be used to meet the HDFS elective requirements. At least one of the electives needs to be a 300 or 400 level course.

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic advisor or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Jim Deal, Professor/Head, HDFS
College of Human Development and Education

North Dakota State University
Dept #2600
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-7568
Email:Jim.Deal@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hdfs/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

(09/12)