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Human Development and Family Studies

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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 1020Human Development3
HDFS 1100Freshman Learning Community Orientation1
or HDFS 1110 New Transfer Student Seminar
HDFS 1830Personal Finance in Early Adulthood1
HDFS 2180Professional Orientation and Service Learning2
HDFS 3690Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies3
HDFS 4180BProfessional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships2
HDFS 4790Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens3
HDFS 4910Internship8-9
Total Credits23-24

Individual and Family Development: 12 credits

Select 4 courses from:12
Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8
Child Development and Health
Note: HDFS 2240 is a prerequisite to HDFS 3420 and HDFS 3440
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 Credits12

Child Development & Guidance Option: 24 credits

Emphasis classes. Select 4 from12-13
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 Credits24-25

Communications and Library: 13 credits

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
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 Credits13

Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits

Biology Course3
STAT 1010Principles of Statistics4
One of the following:3-4
Computer Literacy and Applications
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases
Total Credits10-11

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 1020Human Development3
HDFS 1100Freshman Learning Community Orientation1
or HDFS 1110 New Transfer Student Seminar
HDFS 1830Personal Finance in Early Adulthood1
HDFS 2180Professional Orientation and Service Learning2
HDFS 3690Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies3
HDFS 4180BProfessional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships2
HDFS 4790Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens3
HDFS 4910Internship8-9
Total Credits23-24

Individual & Family Development: 12 credits

Select 4 classes from:12
Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8
Child Development and Health
Note: HDFS 2240 is a required prerequisite to HDFS 3420 and HDFS 3440
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 Credits12

 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 Credits24-25

Communications and Library: 13 credits

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
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 Credits13

Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits

Biology Course3
STAT 1010Principles of Statistics4
One of the following:3-4
Computer Literacy and Applications
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases
Total Credits10-11

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 1020Human Development3
HDFS 1100Freshman Learning Community Orientation1
or HDFS 1110 New Transfer Student Seminar
HDFS 1830Personal Finance in Early Adulthood1
HDFS 2180Professional Orientation and Service Learning2
HDFS 3690Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies3
HDFS 4180BProfessional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships2
HDFS 4790Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens3
HDFS 4910Internship8-9
Total Credits23-24

Individual & Family Development: 12 credits

Select 4 courses from:12
Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8
Child Development and Health
Note: HDFS 2240 is a required prerequisite to HDFS 3420 and HDFS 3440
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 Credits12

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 Credits24-25

Communications and Library: 13 credits

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
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 Credits13

Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits

Biology Course3
STAT 1010Principles of Statistics4
One of the following:3-4
Computer Literacy and Applications
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases
Total Credits10-11

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 4210Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential3
AFAM 3300Ethnic and Race Relations3
AMD 1650Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society3
AMD 3620Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society3
AMD 4670Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products3
AMIN 3100Contemporary Topics in American Indian Studies3
AMIN 3150Archaeology of North America3
AMIN 3220Peoples and Cultures of Native North America3
Anthropology (ANTHR) - except 2020
Economics (ECON)
FSHN 3420World Food Issues: Past and Present3
INTST 2350Introduction to International Studies3
LING 2190Introduction to Linguistics3
LING 4710Language and Reading Development in Children3
Political Science (POLS)
Psychology (PSYCH) - except 131
Sociology (SOC), including Criminal Justice (CJ)
WGS 2010Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies3
WGS 2030Introduction to Lesbian Communities3
WGS 3010International Perspectives on Women and Gender3
ENVS 3200Ecofeminism3
WGS 3270Gender and Sexualities in Society3
WGS 3280Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood3
WGS 3460Psychology of Women3
AFAM 3500Women of Color in the U.S3
WGS 3850Women in Politics3

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 3420Aesthetics of Consumer Experience3
AFAM 2010Introduction to African American Studies3
AFAM 3340Africana Religions3
AFAM 3470African American Literature3
AFAM 3530History of African Americans I3
AFAM 3540History of African Americans II3
AMD 3540Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century3
AMD 3560Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present3
AMIN 2100Introduction to American Indian Studies3
AMIN 2400Introduction to American Indian Literature3
AMIN 3460American Indian Literature3
ARCH 2210Histories and Theories of Architecture to 17503
ARCH 4200Topics in American Architecture3
Art History (ARTH)
American Sign Language (ASL)
Classical Studies (CLST)
DANCE 2700Dance Appreciation3
DANCE 3600History and Philosophy of Dance3
DSNS 1830Design in Context3
ENGL 2010Introduction to Literature3
ENGL 2250Survey of British Literature to 18003
ENGL 2260Survey of British Literature since 18003
ENGL 2270Survey of American Literature to 18653
ENGL 2280Survey of American Literature since 18653
ENGL 2370Survey of Film History3
ENGL 2400Introduction to American Indian Literature3
History (HIST)
HSPM 2600Global Tourism Management3
MUSIC 1020Introduction to Music Listening3
MUSIC 3020Masterpieces of Music and Art in Western Culture3
MUSIC 3040History of American Rock 'n' Roll3
MUSIC 3830History of Music I3
MUSIC 3840History of Music II3
Philosophy (PHIL)
Religious Studies (RELIG)
THTRE 1060Introduction to the Performing Arts3
THTRE 1100Theatre and Society3
THTRE 4650Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century3
THTRE 4660Theatre History: 19th Century to Present3
WGS 2010Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies3
WGS 3360Religion, Sex and Gender3
WGS 3380Feminist Philosophy3
WGS 3450Women's Literature3
WGS 3700FStudies in English Translation: French Topics on Women and Gender Studies3
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 3740Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World3
World Languages and Cultures (ARABC, CHIN, FRNCH, GER, GREEK, RUS, SPAN)

Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Child Development & Guidance option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 10203HDFS 18301
HDFS 1100 or 11101Biology Course***3
LIB 16001Social Sciences Course***3
ENGL 15003Elective Courses***6
PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective)1Individual and Family Development Course3
Social Sciences Course***3 
Humanities Course***3 
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003SPCM 2120, COMST 2100, COMST 2110, or COMST 21803
STAT 10104General Education: COMS 1030 or COMS 11303
HDFS 21802Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course3
Individual & Family Development Course3Humanities Course***3
Social Science Course***3Elective*3
 15 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 36903HDFS 47903
Individual & Family Development Course3Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course6
Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course3Individual and Family Development Course3
Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course3Electives*4
Elective*4 
 16 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 4180B2HDFS 4910^8-9
ENGL 3020, 3090, or 31403Electives*4
Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course3 
Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course6 
Electives1 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 10203HDFS 18301
HDFS 1100 or 11101Individual and Family Development Course3
LIB 16001Social Sciences Course***3
ENGL 15003Biology3
PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective)1Electives*6
Social Sciences Course***3 
Humanities Course***3 
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003SPCM 2120, COMST 2100, COMST 2110, or COMST 21803
STAT 10104COMS 1030 or 11303
Individual and Family Development Course3Advocacy Administration and Policy Focus: Supporting course3
HDFS 21802Humanities Course***3
Social Sciences Course***3Electives*3
undefined  
 15 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 36903HDFS 47903
Individual & Family Development Course3Individual & Family Development Course3
Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course3Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course3
Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course3Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course3
Elective*4Electives*4
 16 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course3HDFS 4910^8-9
Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course6Electives*4
HDFS 4180B2 
ENGL 3020, 3090, or 31403 
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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 10203HDFS 18301
HDFS 1100 or 11101Social Sciences Courses***3
LIB 16001Electives6
ENGL 15003Individual and Family Development Course3
PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective)1Biology3
Social Sciences Course***3 
Humanities Course***3 
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003SPCM 2120, COMST 2100, COMST 2110, or COMST 21803
HDFS 21802Health Wellbeing and Prevention Focus Supporting Course3
STAT 10104Humanities***3
Individual and Family Development Course3Elective*3
Social Sciences Course***3COMS 1030 or 11303
 15 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 36903HDFS 47903
Individual & Family Development Course3Individual & Family Development Course3
Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course3Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course3
Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course3Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course3
Electives*4Electives*4
 16 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 4180B2HDFS 4910^8-9
ENGL 3020, 3090, or 31403Electives*4
Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course3 
Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course6 
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 1020Human Development3
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 Credits15

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/.