HDFS Undergraduate Program

Applied developmental science to help individuals, families, and communities thrive

Find your fit helping people and working every day to promote healthy development and well-being. Students, faculty, and staff in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) are passionate about using science to improve well-being.

HDFS provides interdisciplinary programs that help students:

• Understand individual, family, community, and social factors influencing people's development.
• Learn about evidence-based practices to promote cognitive, social, physical, and emotional well-being across the lifespan.
• Utilize flexible requirements and engaged learning opportunities for individual growth, career exploration, and specialization.

Learn about the undergraduate programs

Students interested in HDFS can explore the bachelor’s of science degree, which includes two program options, as well as an associated honors program and affiliated minors. The undergraduate degree in HDFS is offered at several Penn State campuses, including University Park, World Campus, and other Commonwealth campuses.

Affiliated minors

Minors give you the opportunity to specialize your degree to your area of personal and professional interest. There are many minors that can be a great complement to an HDFS degree — the below minors are specifically affiliated with the HDFS degree program.

Explore student opportunities and supports

HDFS provides many supports for students to learn inside and outside of the classroom as they explore their interests, develop skills, and build their resumes. Students are encouraged to meet with the full-time, designated HDFS academic adviser, explore the many early career options and pathways to graduate school with a degree in HDFS, and select on- and off-campus opportunities that match their interests.