Careers for HDFS Majors

HDFS is a major for students who are passionate about improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through their work.

There is significant demand for HDFS majors due to the aging population and our ongoing need for supports and services for children and families. HDFS majors take positions in a range of human service organizations after completing their undergraduate degree.  Types of work include:

• Human services professions – case management, youth and family services, child advocacy, aging support
• Early childhood development – early childhood education, early intervention
• Program administration and advocacy – volunteer coordinator, program coordination, human resources assistant

Preparation for graduate or professional studies

With the ability to specialize your coursework and hands-on learning around your career interests, HDFS also provides strong preparation for graduate study and professional degrees.

• Counseling – addiction, marriage and family therapy, mental health, school counseling
• Social work
• Program administration and management
• Public policy
• Law – especially family, elder, or advocacy law
• Research – lifespan human development, psychology, sociology, intervention/prevention

Preparation for clinical or medical studies

Students in the Developmental Science for Health Professions degree option work in tandem with the HDFS adviser and the Prehealth Advising Office at Penn State to prepare for graduate or professional study in a variety of fields.

• Occupational therapy
• Child life
• Second degree nursing
• Physicians assistant and medical school

Support for career exploration and preparation

HDFS provides a variety of supports for students in exploring their interests, building skills, and ultimately selecting a rewarding career path.

• A private, student site outlining relevant coursework and local, hands-on opportunities for students interested in different career paths.
• A one-credit career exploration and planning class for students new to the major.
• A full-time internship coordinator with extensive knowledge about local organizations.
• Opportunities for students to explore careers and meet with alumni, including career panels, internship fairs, site visits, information sessions with community partners and graduate programs, and more.