Human Development and Family Studies Major

Program Coordinator/Contact
Carla Anderson, Academic Advisor
Department of Counseling and Human Development
E-mail: carla.anderson@sdstate.edu

Program Information
The goal of the BS in Human Development and Family Studies is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to study and work with individuals and families. This program draws from theory and research that examines the process of human development across the lifespan and the dynamic interaction of family members. Students pursuing the BS in Human Development and Family Studies gain knowledge and experience in the science of human growth and development, human interaction, and family relationships. Graduates work in careers that promote healthy development and positive family functioning across the lifespan, such as: a Social Services Case Worker, Provider at Residential Treatment Center, Youth Organization Worker, Program Director for Youth, Family or Senior Citizen Center.

Student Learning Outcomes
HDFS majors will share a common base of knowledge, skills, and experiences:

• Knowledge and understanding of
  • Developmental stages and processes across the lifespan
  • Family dynamic processes
  • The multi-directional influences of social contexts and the development of individuals, couples, and families
  • The interpersonal skills required for an effective helping relationship
• Skill and ability to
  
  • Interpret and evaluate current information regarding human and family development
  • Use human development and family theories to understand and explain individual growth and family interaction
  • Plan and evaluate intervention strategies designed to enhance the development of individuals, couples, and families
• Experiences in
  • The ranges of settings that human development and family studies professionals inhabit
  • Supervised work in a professional setting

Academic Requirements
A pre-graduation check is required by end of junior year. A Graduation Application must be completed at beginning of graduation semester. To effectively meet the wide range of professional interests of HDFS majors, students are required to develop a plan of study under the supervision of a faculty advisor. This plan should include the specification of courses within and outside of the department that are targeted to assist in the professional preparation of the student. Emphases might include a focus on areas such as: children’s services, religious services, family organizations, youth development organizations, gerontology services, families with special needs, etc. A grade of “D” on courses in the major cannot be counted and course must be repeated. Any required course with a department/program prefix is considered a course in the major.

Course Delivery Format
Courses are delivered face-to-face with Internet supplement, online, and through clinical experience. Some courses are also offered at the University Center in Sioux Falls and the Capital University Center in Pierre.