Human Development and Family Services (A.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Amber Letcher, Associate Professor
Department of Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 314
605-688-4941

Program Information

The Human Development and Family Services program involves the study of lifespan development in the context of family, community and society. The Human Development and Family Services major prepares students for careers assisting prevention specialists, advocates, and educators working with children and families. Graduates will be employable in schools, hospitals, clinics, childcare facilities, and non-profit organizations. Completion of the Human Development and Family Services associate’s degree will allow students to transfer 60 credits of coursework into the B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies .

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a major in Human Development and Human Services will be able to:

identify and describe development across the lifespan for both individuals and families.
recognize and explain societal issues that impact individuals, families, and communities.
demonstrate an appreciation and respect for diversity.
demonstrate ethical helping skills/human service skills.
analyze parental involvement and the stages of human development.
recognize and assess individual and family strengths and needs.

Academic Requirements

Students must receive a C or better grade in all HDFS prefix courses.

Course Delivery Format

The program is offered at the University Center - Sioux Falls campus with courses delivered face-to-face and online.

Requirements for Human Development and Family Services Major: 60 Credits

Associate of Science in Education and Human Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
and ENGL 201 Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication:
SPCM 101
Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : PSYC 101 and SOC 100 Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : Credits: 3
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 3

Major Requirements

HDFS 150 - Early Experience Credits: 2
HDFS 227 - Human Development and Personality I: Childhood Credits: 3
HDFS 237 - Human Development II: Adolescence Credits: 3
HDFS 241 - Family Relations Credits: 3
HDFS 247 - Human Development III: Adulthood Credits: 3
HDFS 250 - Development of Human Sexuality Credits: 3
HDFS 255 - Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation Credits: 3
HDFS 292 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)

Supporting Coursework

GERO 201 - Introduction to Gerontology Credits: 3
PSYC 267 - Psychology of Personal Adjustment Credits: 3

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 60

Summary of Program Requirements

Associate of Science in Education and Human Sciences
System General Education Requirements	24 Credit Hours
Major Requirements	29 Credit Hours
Electives**	7 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.