Human Development and Family Science

At the undergraduate level, the department offers a curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree through five options:

  • Adult Development & Aging prepares students for careers involving direct and support services for adults of various ages as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
  • Child and Adolescent Development prepares students for careers involving direct and support services for children and adolescents as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
  • Family Scienceallows students to take a concentration of courses in family science or family economics in preparation for careers in direct and support services for families as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
  • Elementary Education/child development
  • Social Work in family science or Social Work in adult development and aging

NEW! Accelerated Masters Program (BS + MS Degrees) in Human Development and Family Science. High-achieving undergraduates can complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in 5 years.

The minor in HDFS is a great complement to majors in psychology, nursing, communications, business, sociology, and many other fields. If you think you might work with children, families, or aging adults, the HDFS minor is for you.

Human Development and Family Science majors are prepared to work in a variety of areas related to children, aging adults, and families. Employment opportunities include parent and family life educators, extension agents, child protection service professionals, financial counselors, nursing home activity directors, credit specialists, and directors of child care licensing.

For details about our programs and coursework, visit the HDFS Undergraduate Catalog Pages

To apply to NDSU, visit the Office of Admission

For information on careers in HDFS, see our Career Planning page.

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