Administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Total credits required: 120. The human development and family studies curriculum prepare graduates to pursue careers in helping professions with employment opportunities in government, non-profit, and private agencies, as well as continue on to graduate studies programs. Students select an option within the major: child development and guidance; advocacy, administration, and policy; or health, well-being, and prevention.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following set of learning goals was established for the bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). Upon completion of the undergraduate degree in HDFS, students will:
Learning Objective 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the central concepts, research, and theories within the field.
Learning Objective 2: Demonstrate professional development and self-reflection skills.
Learning Objective 3: Demonstrate an ability to access and evaluate peer-reviewed research.
A minor in human development and family studies is available; see requirements under Human Development and Family Studies, Undergraduate Minor.
The following requirements are for the HDFS major by option.
Child Development & Guidance Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
HDFS 1020 | Human Development | 3 |
HDFS 1100 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
or HDFS 1110 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
HDFS 1830 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
HDFS 2180 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
HDFS 3690 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
HDFS 4180B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
HDFS 4790 | Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | 3 |
HDFS 4910 | Internship | 8-9 |
Total Credits | 23-24 |
Individual and Family Development: 12 credits
Select 4 courses from: | 12 | |
Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HDFS 2230 | Child Development and Health | |
Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
Adult Development | ||
Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
Family Communications and Relationships | ||
Aging and the Family | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
Child Development & Guidance Option: 24 credits
Emphasis classes. Select 4 from | 12-13 | |
Literature for Children | ||
Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood | ||
Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
Inclusive Teaching and Interaction Strategies | ||
Working with Families in Early Intervention | ||
Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
Supporting classes. Select 4 from: | 12 | |
Consumer Issues | ||
Human Sexuality | ||
Personal and Family Finance | ||
Income Tax Planning for Families | ||
Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
Death as a Part of Living | ||
Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
Total Credits | 24-25 |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
ENGL 1500 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
ENGL 2500 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
LIB 1600 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
One of the following: | 3 | |
Communication and U.S. Diversity | ||
Interpersonal Communication | ||
Conflict Management | ||
Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
One of the following: | 3 | |
Business Communication | ||
Proposal and Report Writing | ||
Technical Communication | ||
Total Credits | 13 |
Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits
Biology Course | 3 | |
STAT 1010 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
One of the following: | 3-4 | |
Computer Literacy and Applications | ||
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
Total Credits | 10-11 |
Social Sciences: 9 credits
Select from HDFS list of approved social sciences courses.
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HDFS list of approved humanities courses.
Electives: 21 - 23 credits
Elective course options may include additional HDFS courses from the Individual and Family Development category that have not been taken and/or HDFS courses from the Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention and/or the Advocacy, Administration, & Policy emphasis section that have not been taken.
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives Requirement by choosing three credits of coursework from each of the university-approved lists.
Health, Well-Being, & Prevention Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
HDFS 1020 | Human Development | 3 |
HDFS 1100 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
or HDFS 1110 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
HDFS 1830 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
HDFS 2180 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
HDFS 3690 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
HDFS 4180B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
HDFS 4790 | Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | 3 |
HDFS 4910 | Internship | 8-9 |
Total Credits | 23-24 |
Individual & Family Development: 12 credits
Select 4 classes from: | 12 | |
Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HDFS 2230 | Child Development and Health | |
Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
Adult Development | ||
Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
Family Communications and Relationships | ||
Aging and the Family | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
Health, Well-being, & Prevention Option: 24 credits
Emphasis classes. Select 4 from: | 12 | |
Human Sexuality | ||
Personal and Family Finance | ||
Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
Death as a Part of Living | ||
Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
Supporting classes. Select 4 from: | 12 - 13 | |
Consumer Issues | ||
Literature for Children | ||
Income Tax Planning for Families | ||
Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood | ||
Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
Total Credits | 24-25 |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
ENGL 1500 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
ENGL 2500 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
LIB 1600 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
One of the following: | 3 | |
Communication and U.S. Diversity | ||
Interpersonal Communication | ||
Conflict Management | ||
Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
One of the following: | 3 | |
Business Communication | ||
Proposal and Report Writing | ||
Technical Communication | ||
Total Credits | 13 |
Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits
Biology Course | 3 | |
STAT 1010 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
One of the following: | 3-4 | |
Computer Literacy and Applications | ||
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
Total Credits | 10-11 |
Social Sciences: 9 credits
Select from HDFS list of approved social sciences courses.
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HDFS list of approved humanities courses.
Electives: 21 - 23 credits
Elective course options may include additional HDFS courses from the Individual and Family Development category that have not been taken and/or HDFS courses from the Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention or Advocacy, Administration, and Policy emphasis section that have not been taken.
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives Requirement by choosing three credits of coursework from each of the university-approved lists.
Advocacy, Administration, and Policy Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
HDFS 1020 | Human Development | 3 |
HDFS 1100 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
or HDFS 1110 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
HDFS 1830 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
HDFS 2180 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
HDFS 3690 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
HDFS 4180B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
HDFS 4790 | Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | 3 |
HDFS 4910 | Internship | 8-9 |
Total Credits | 23-24 |
Individual & Family Development: 12 credits
Select 4 courses from: | 12 | |
Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HDFS 2230 | Child Development and Health | |
Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
Adult Development | ||
Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
Family Communications and Relationships | ||
Aging and the Family | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
Advocacy, Administration, and Policy Option: 24 credits
Emphasis classes (Select 4): | 12 | |
Consumer Issues | ||
Income Tax Planning for Families | ||
Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
Supporting classes (Select 4 of the following): | 12 - 13 | |
Literature for Children | ||
Human Sexuality | ||
Personal and Family Finance | ||
Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood | ||
Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
Death as a Part of Living | ||
Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
Total Credits | 24-25 |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
ENGL 1500 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
ENGL 2500 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
LIB 1600 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
One of the following: | 3 | |
Communication and U.S. Diversity | ||
Interpersonal Communication | ||
Conflict Management | ||
Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
One of the following: | 3 | |
Business Communication | ||
Proposal and Report Writing | ||
Technical Communication | ||
Total Credits | 13 |
Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits
Biology Course | 3 | |
STAT 1010 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
One of the following: | 3-4 | |
Computer Literacy and Applications | ||
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
Total Credits | 10-11 |
Social Sciences: 9 credits
Select from HDFS list of approved social sciences courses.
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HDFS list of approved humanities courses.
Electives: 21 - 23 credits
Elective course options may include additional HDFS courses from the Individual and Family Development category that have not been taken and/or HDFS courses from the Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention and/or Child Development & Guidance emphasis section that have not been taken.
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives Requirement by choosing three credits of coursework from each of the university-approved lists.
THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS SECTION ARE APPROVED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE OPTIONS FOR THIS MAJOR.
Social Sciences: 9 credits. Coursework designed to help students develop an understanding of the principal methods of studying human behavior and an understanding of the structure and functioning of institutions.
AESHM 4210 | Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential | 3 |
AFAM 3300 | Ethnic and Race Relations | 3 |
AMD 1650 | Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | 3 |
AMD 3620 | Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society | 3 |
AMD 4670 | Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | 3 |
AMIN 3100 | Contemporary Topics in American Indian Studies | 3 |
AMIN 3150 | Archaeology of North America | 3 |
AMIN 3220 | Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | 3 |
Anthropology (ANTHR) - except 2020 | ||
Economics (ECON) | ||
FSHN 3420 | World Food Issues: Past and Present | 3 |
INTST 2350 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
LING 2190 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
LING 4710 | Language and Reading Development in Children | 3 |
Political Science (POLS) | ||
Psychology (PSYCH) - except 131 | ||
Sociology (SOC), including Criminal Justice (CJ) | ||
WGS 2010 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
WGS 2030 | Introduction to Lesbian Communities | 3 |
WGS 3010 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
ENVS 3200 | Ecofeminism | 3 |
WGS 3270 | Gender and Sexualities in Society | 3 |
WGS 3280 | Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood | 3 |
WGS 3460 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
AFAM 3500 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
WGS 3850 | Women in Politics | 3 |
Humanities: 6 credits. Coursework designed to assist students to develop an understanding of human cultural heritage and history, and an appreciation of reasoning and the aesthetic value of human creativity.
AESHM 3420 | Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | 3 |
AFAM 2010 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
AFAM 3340 | Africana Religions | 3 |
AFAM 3470 | African American Literature | 3 |
AFAM 3530 | History of African Americans I | 3 |
AFAM 3540 | History of African Americans II | 3 |
AMD 3540 | Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | 3 |
AMD 3560 | Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present | 3 |
AMIN 2100 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
AMIN 2400 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
AMIN 3460 | American Indian Literature | 3 |
ARCH 2210 | Histories and Theories of Architecture to 1750 | 3 |
ARCH 4200 | Topics in American Architecture | 3 |
Art History (ARTH) | ||
American Sign Language (ASL) | ||
Classical Studies (CLST) | ||
DANCE 2700 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
DANCE 3600 | History and Philosophy of Dance | 3 |
DSNS 1830 | Design in Context | 3 |
ENGL 2010 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
ENGL 2250 | Survey of British Literature to 1800 | 3 |
ENGL 2260 | Survey of British Literature since 1800 | 3 |
ENGL 2270 | Survey of American Literature to 1865 | 3 |
ENGL 2280 | Survey of American Literature since 1865 | 3 |
ENGL 2370 | Survey of Film History | 3 |
ENGL 2400 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
History (HIST) | ||
HSPM 2600 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
MUSIC 1020 | Introduction to Music Listening | 3 |
MUSIC 3020 | Masterpieces of Music and Art in Western Culture | 3 |
MUSIC 3040 | History of American Rock 'n' Roll | 3 |
MUSIC 3830 | History of Music I | 3 |
MUSIC 3840 | History of Music II | 3 |
Philosophy (PHIL) | ||
Religious Studies (RELIG) | ||
THTRE 1060 | Introduction to the Performing Arts | 3 |
THTRE 1100 | Theatre and Society | 3 |
THTRE 4650 | Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century | 3 |
THTRE 4660 | Theatre History: 19th Century to Present | 3 |
WGS 2010 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
WGS 3360 | Religion, Sex and Gender | 3 |
WGS 3380 | Feminist Philosophy | 3 |
WGS 3450 | Women's Literature | 3 |
WGS 3700F | Studies in English Translation: French Topics on Women and Gender Studies | 3 |
or WGS 3700G | Studies in English Translation: German Topics on Women or Feminism | |
or WGS 3700R | Studies in English Translation: Russian Topics on Women or Feminism | |
or WGS 3700S | Studies in English Translation: Hispanic Topics on Women or Feminism | |
WGS 3740 | Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
World Languages and Cultures (ARABC, CHIN, FRNCH, GER, GREEK, RUS, SPAN) |
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Child Development & Guidance option
Freshman | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 1020 | 3 | HDFS 1830 | 1 |
HDFS 1100 or 1110 | 1 | Biology Course*** | 3 |
LIB 1600 | 1 | Social Sciences Course*** | 3 |
ENGL 1500 | 3 | Elective Courses*** | 6 |
PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective) | 1 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
Humanities Course*** | 3 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Sophomore | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 2500 | 3 | SPCM 2120, COMST 2100, COMST 2110, or COMST 2180 | 3 |
STAT 1010 | 4 | General Education: COMS 1030 or COMS 1130 | 3 |
HDFS 2180 | 2 | Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course | 3 |
Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Humanities Course*** | 3 |
Social Science Course*** | 3 | Elective* | 3 |
15 | 15 | ||
Junior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 3690 | 3 | HDFS 4790 | 3 |
Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course | 6 |
Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course | 3 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
Elective* | 4 | ||
16 | 16 | ||
Senior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 4180B | 2 | HDFS 4910^ | 8-9 |
ENGL 3020, 3090, or 3140 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course | 6 | ||
Electives | 1 | ||
15 | 12-13 |
- *
Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.
- ***
See HDFS General Education Selections sheet.
- ^
HDFS 4180B is prerequisite to HDFS 4910 Internship, and requires junior classification.
- -
ISU requires 3 credits of U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) coursework and 3 credits of International Perspectives coursework.
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Advocacy, Administration, & Policy option
Freshman | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 1020 | 3 | HDFS 1830 | 1 |
HDFS 1100 or 1110 | 1 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
LIB 1600 | 1 | Social Sciences Course*** | 3 |
ENGL 1500 | 3 | Biology | 3 |
PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective) | 1 | Electives* | 6 |
Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
Humanities Course*** | 3 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Sophomore | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 2500 | 3 | SPCM 2120, COMST 2100, COMST 2110, or COMST 2180 | 3 |
STAT 1010 | 4 | COMS 1030 or 1130 | 3 |
Individual and Family Development Course | 3 | Advocacy Administration and Policy Focus: Supporting course | 3 |
HDFS 2180 | 2 | Humanities Course*** | 3 |
Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | Electives* | 3 |
undefined | |||
15 | 15 | ||
Junior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 3690 | 3 | HDFS 4790 | 3 |
Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 3 | Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 |
Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 |
Elective* | 4 | Electives* | 4 |
16 | 16 | ||
Senior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | HDFS 4910^ | 8-9 |
Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 6 | Electives* | 4 |
HDFS 4180B | 2 | ||
ENGL 3020, 3090, or 3140 | 3 | ||
Electives* | 1 | ||
15 | 12-13 |
- *
Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate
- ***
See HDFS General Education Selections sheet
- ^
HDFS 4180B is prerequisite to HDFS 4910 Internship and requires junior classification.
- -
ISU requires 3 credits of U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) coursework and 3 credits of International Perspectives coursework.
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Health, Well-Being, & Prevention option
Freshman | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 1020 | 3 | HDFS 1830 | 1 |
HDFS 1100 or 1110 | 1 | Social Sciences Courses*** | 3 |
LIB 1600 | 1 | Electives | 6 |
ENGL 1500 | 3 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective) | 1 | Biology | 3 |
Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
Humanities Course*** | 3 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Sophomore | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 2500 | 3 | SPCM 2120, COMST 2100, COMST 2110, or COMST 2180 | 3 |
HDFS 2180 | 2 | Health Wellbeing and Prevention Focus Supporting Course | 3 |
STAT 1010 | 4 | Humanities*** | 3 |
Individual and Family Development Course | 3 | Elective* | 3 |
Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | COMS 1030 or 1130 | 3 |
15 | 15 | ||
Junior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 3690 | 3 | HDFS 4790 | 3 |
Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 | Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 |
Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 3 | Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 3 |
Electives* | 4 | Electives* | 4 |
16 | 16 | ||
Senior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HDFS 4180B | 2 | HDFS 4910^ | 8-9 |
ENGL 3020, 3090, or 3140 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 6 | ||
Electives* | 1 | ||
15 | 12-13 |
- *
Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.
- ***
See HDFS General Education Selections sheet
- ^
HDFS 4180B is prerequisite to HDFS 4910 Internship, and requires junior classification.
- -
ISU requires 3 credits of U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) coursework and 3 credits of International Perspectives coursework.
The Human Development and Family Studies minor may be earned by completing 15 credits
HDFS 1020 | Human Development | 3 |
One of the following: | 3 | |
Child Development and Health | ||
Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
Adult Development | ||
Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
Family Communications and Relationships | ||
Aging and the Family | ||
Three of the following: | 9 | |
Human Sexuality | ||
Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
Death as a Part of Living | ||
Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | ||
Total Credits | 15 |
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
More information on the variety of graduate programs offered through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies can be found here: https://hdfs.hs.iastate.edu/graduate-students/graduate-programs/.