2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Erin S. Lavender-Stott, Associate Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 202
605-688-5385

Program Information

The mission of the B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies is to enhance the health and well-being of diverse individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan through integration of transdisciplinary research, teaching, service, and community outreach and engagement. 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 B.S. 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 Centers, Youth Organization Worker, Program Director for Youth, Family or Senior Citizen Center.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are delivered face-to-face, online, and through field experience.

Student Learning Outcomes


In the Human Development and Family Studies major, students will:

  • Identify the effects of diverse environments on the development of individuals and families.
  • Apply human development and family theories and concepts to the experiences of individuals, couples, and families.
  • Apply human development and family theories to explain and improve individual growth and family interaction.
  • Reflect on their experience of participating in community-based programs.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in a group setting.

Academic Requirements


A pre-graduation check is required by end of junior year. A Graduation Application must be completed at the 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 an 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” in courses in the major cannot be counted and the course must be repeated. Any required course with a department/program prefix is considered a course in the major.

Requirements for Human Development and Family Studies Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements


Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 30 Credit Hours
College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements 4 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 45 Credit Hours
Supporting Coursework 18 Credit Hours
Electives** 23 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**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.