Undergraduate Program
Spotlight
Dr. Cecilia Sem Obeng
Dr. Cecilia Sem Obeng won the Indiana University Trustees' Teaching Award. The award is given for continued and steadfast commitment to quality instruction.
Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)
Human Development and Family Studies Program explores human behavior from the perspective of lifespan development and within the context of the intimate environment of the family. As an applied field, it's focused on how those theories - developmental stages, the effects of divorce, coping with aging, human sexuality - can illuminate relationships and behavior. From social work to marriage therapy to labor relations, Human Development and Family Studies offers numerous career possibilities.
Introduction
The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Program in Indiana University's Department of Applied Health Science explores human capabilities and characteristics at each stage of our lives - what an infant can do, issues adolescents care about, and concerns we have as we age. From that developmental perspective, students also learn about families - how our families can influence our work, school experiences, and relationships with others, and how these parts of our lives can affect our families. The course work is multidisciplinary, drawing from psychology, anthropology, sociology, biology, pediatrics, gerontology, education, history, and economics, equipping students with the necessary tools to deal with children, adults, families, and relationships.
Program Requirements
Tab sheet for major or Tab sheet for minor (PDF)
Professional Electives (PDF)
Students must complete 26 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be
admitted to the HDFS Program. A minimum of 124 credit hours is required to complete
this program. A minor in Human Development and Family Studies, recognized by the
College of Arts and Sciences, is also available.
Once admitted, students take courses from the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation as well as life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities. 27 credits of Professional Electives are determined by the student's area of interest. The flexibility of the program allows students to earn a minor in an additional field, such as sociology, psychology, business, or public health education.
The HDFS Program prepares students academically and professionally, whether they elect to pursue a career or continue their studies at the graduate level. A required professional preparation course allows students to explore career options and learn job search skills, including resume writing and interviewing. Students also complete a required 6 credit hour internship, either in Bloomington or in the student's hometown. Former students have held internships with, among others, Planned Parenthood, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Middle Way House, and the YMCA.
The curriculum now includes three in-depth developmental courses, a career course and an internship. Students are graduating with strong experience that equips them for the job search or for graduate school.
Job Outlook
A career in human development and family studies offers a chance to make a difference, to support individual growth, and to help people function in society. With a master's degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling, HDFS students can counsel people in a variety of settings: public schools, private practices, hospitals, retirement communities, HMOs, mental health services, or disability services. Students who choose to enter the field immediately also find positions in which they can help people individually.
Career opportunities include:
- Case Manager for group homes, adoption, and foster care agencies
- Child Care Worker
- Family Living Educator
- Homelessness Prevention Coordinator
- Human Resource Assistant
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Medical Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Women's Advocate
- Vocational Counselor
- Youth Counselor
According to a survey of recent graduates, entry-level salaries for HDFS majors holding a bachelor's degree fall between $20,000 - $30,000; for those holding a master's degree, salaries start at $25,000 - $35,000. As with any profession, salaries vary by geographic region, employment setting, and job responsibilities
