Are you passionate about helping others?
Are you interested in working with people and making a positive difference in their lives? Human Development and Family Studies might be the right career path for you.
Human Development and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary degree, grounded in research-based knowledge that studies how people develop across their lifespan and function within family and social environments.
The HDFS programs at Penn State Scranton integrate knowledge from various academic disciplines such as psychology, sociology, education, philosophy, biology, and social work. You’ll learn to work with all age groups in various settings, using research, therapeutic techniques, and hands-on experiences to make positive changes.
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Our flexible HDFS degree program emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare students who want to work with children, adults, and families in a diverse array of careers across a wide range of human service, healthcare, and helping professions in public and nonprofit agencies, or business and industry.
The bachelor of science in HDFS also prepares students for advanced professional or graduate study.
HDFS is a flexible major tailored to help you meet your goals.
With knowledgeable and friendly faculty dedicated to the professional growth of our students, you will receive a personalized educational plan that fits your specific career goals.
Choose one of two options within the HDFS major:
In addition to the core Human Development and Family Studies B.S. degree requirements, students complete additional course work to focus their studies on one of these options:
- Human Development and Family Science Option Gain the knowledge and skills for a career working with children, youth, adults and families in a community setting like human services, social work or education.
- Developmental Science for Health Professions Option Combine developmental science with pre-health requirements to prepare for advance training or graduate school in health-related career areas.
Dr. Janet Melnick Teaching Professor and Program Coordinator gives an overview of Penn State Scranton's Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
