Administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Leading to the degree bachelor of science.
Total credits required: 120. The human development and family studies curriculum prepares 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 were established for the bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HD FS). The curriculum is designed to ensure that students earning a bachelor's degree in HD FS will have achieved the following goals or learning outcomes.
LO 1: Content Knowledge- The student understands the central concepts, research, theories, and professional competencies across the lifespan within Human Development and Family Studies.
LO 2: Applied Knowledge and Skills- The student is able to apply content knowledge and use evidence-based practical skills to engage others’ in growth-oriented reflection, planning, and action across developmental domains.
LO 3: Social Justice- The student engages in ongoing learning and critical evaluation of one’s own position, one’s community and contexts, and relevant micro and macro structures and systems. The student works with others to create and advocate for inclusive and equitable environments for individuals and families.
LO 4: Critical Thinking- The student integrates, evaluates, and critiques policies and practices using relevant tools of inquiry to apply in professional settings.
LO 5: Professional Development – The student engages in ongoing professional learning and efforts to enhance self-awareness to ensure growth and ethical practice.
LO 6: Research- The student is able to access and evaluate peer-reviewed research and can identify strengths, weaknesses, and applications of such 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 HD FS major by option.
Child Development & Guidance Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
| HD FS 102 | Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | 3 |
| HD FS 110 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HD FS 111 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HD FS 183 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
| HD FS 218 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
| HD FS 369 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HD FS 418B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
| HD FS 479 | Family Interaction Dynamics | 3 |
| HD FS 491 | Internship | 8-9 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Individual and Family Development: 9 credits
| Select 3 courses from: | 9 | |
| Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HD FS 223 | Child Development and Health | |
Note: HDFS 224 is a prerequisite to HDFS 342 and HDFS 344 | ||
| 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 | 9 | |
Child Development & Guidance Option: 21 credits
| Emphasis classes. Select 4 from | 12 | |
| Literature for Children | ||
| Guidance and Group Management in Early Childhood | ||
| Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
| Adapting Programming in Inclusive Settings | ||
| Working with Families in Early Intervention | ||
| Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
| Supporting classes. Select 3 from: | 9 | |
| Consumer Issues | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Personal and Family Finance | ||
| Household Finance and Policy | ||
| 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 | 21 | |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 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 101 | 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 HD FS list of approved social sciences courses
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved humanities courses
Electives: 27-29 credits
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the 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
| HD FS 102 | Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | 3 |
| HD FS 110 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HD FS 111 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HD FS 183 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
| HD FS 218 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
| HD FS 369 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HD FS 418B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
| HD FS 479 | Family Interaction Dynamics | 3 |
| HD FS 491 | Internship | 8-9 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Individual & Family Development: 9 credits
| Select 3 classes from: | 0 | |
| Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HD FS 223 | Child Development and Health | |
Note: HDFS 224 is a required prerequisite to HDFS 342 and HDFS 344 | ||
| 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 | 0 | |
Health, Well-being, & Prevention Option: 21 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 3 from: | 9 | |
| Consumer Issues | ||
| Literature for Children | ||
| Household Finance and Policy | ||
| Guidance and Group Management 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 | 21 | |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 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 101 | 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 HD FS list of approved social sciences courses
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved humanities courses
Electives: 27-29 credits
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the 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
| HD FS 102 | Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | 3 |
| HD FS 110 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HD FS 111 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HD FS 183 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
| HD FS 218 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
| HD FS 369 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HD FS 418B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
| HD FS 479 | Family Interaction Dynamics | 3 |
| HD FS 491 | Internship | 8-9 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Individual & Family Development: 9 credits
| Select 3 courses from: | 9 | |
| Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HD FS 223 | Child Development and Health | |
Note: HDFS 224 is a required prerequisite to HDFS 342 and HDFS 344 | ||
| 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 | 9 | |
Advocacy, Administration, and Policy Option: 21 credits
| Emphasis classes (Select 4): | 12 | |
| Consumer Issues | ||
| Household Finance and Policy | ||
| Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
| Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
| Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
| Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
| Supporting classes (Select 3 of the following): | 9 | |
| Literature for Children | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Personal and Family Finance | ||
| Guidance and Group Management 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 | 21 | |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 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 101 | 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 HD FS list of approved social sciences courses
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved humanities courses
Electives: 27-29 credits
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the 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 421 | Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential | 3 |
| AF AM 330 | Ethnic and Race Relations | 3 |
| A M D 165 | Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | 3 |
| A M D 362 | Cultural Perspectives of Global Dress | 3 |
| A M D 467 | Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | 3 |
| AM IN 310 | Contemporary Topics in American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AM IN 315 | Archaeology of North America | 3 |
| AM IN 322 | Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | 3 |
| Anthropology (ANTHR) - except 202 | ||
| Economics (ECON) | ||
| FS HN 342 | World Food Issues: Past and Present | 3 |
| INTST 235 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
| LING 219 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LING 275 | Introduction to Communication Disorders | 3 |
| LING 471 | Language and Reading Development in Children | 3 |
| Political Science (POL S) | ||
| Psychology (PSYCH) - except 131 | ||
| Sociology (SOC), including Criminal Justice (C J) | ||
| WGS 201 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 203 | Introduction to Lesbian Studies | 3 |
| WGS 301 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 320 | Ecofeminism | 3 |
| WGS 327 | Gender and Sexualities in Society | 3 |
| WGS 328 | Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood | 3 |
| WGS 346 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| WGS 350 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
| WGS 385 | 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 342 | Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | 3 |
| AF AM 201 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AF AM 334 | Africana Religions | 3 |
| AF AM 347 | Studies in African American Literature | 3 |
| AF AM 353 | History of African Americans I | 3 |
| AF AM 354 | History of African Americans II | 3 |
| A M D 257 | Museum Studies | 3 |
| A M D 354 | Fashion History I: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | 3 |
| A M D 356 | Fashion History II: Mid-19th Century to the Present | 3 |
| AM IN 210 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AM IN 240 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
| AM IN 346 | American Indian Literature | 3 |
| ARCH 221 | Histories and Theories of Architecture to 1750 | 3 |
| ARCH 420 | Topics in American Architecture | 3 |
| Art History (ART H) | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) | ||
| Classical Studies (CL ST) | ||
| CMDIS 286 | Communicating with the Deaf | 3 |
| DANCE 270 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| DANCE 360 | History and Philosophy of Dance | 3 |
| DSN S 183 | Design in Context | 3 |
| ENGL 201 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 225 | Survey of British Literature to 1800 | 3 |
| ENGL 226 | Survey of British Literature since 1800 | 3 |
| ENGL 227 | Survey of American Literature to 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL 228 | Survey of American Literature since 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL 237 | Survey of Film History | 3 |
| ENGL 240 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
| History (HIST) | ||
| HSP M 260 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
| MUSIC 102 | Introduction to Music Listening | 3 |
| MUSIC 302 | Masterpieces of Music and Art in Western Culture. | 3 |
| MUSIC 304 | History of American Rock 'n' Roll | 3 |
| MUSIC 383 | History of Music I | 3 |
| MUSIC 384 | History of Music II | 3 |
| Philosophy (PHIL) | ||
| Religious Studies (RELIG) | ||
| THTRE 106 | Introduction to the Performing Arts | 3 |
| THTRE 110 | Theatre and Society | 3 |
| THTRE 465 | Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century | 3 |
| THTRE 466 | Theatre History: 19th Century to Present | 3 |
| WGS 201 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 336 | Religion and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 338 | Feminist Philosophy | 3 |
| WGS 340 | Women's Literature | 3 |
| WGS 345 | Women and Literature: Selected Topics | 3 |
| WGS 370 | Studies in English Translation | 3 |
| WGS 374 | 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 |
| HD FS 102 | 3 | HD FS 183 | 1 |
| HD FS 110 or 111 | 1 | COM S 103 or 113 | 3-4 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Biology | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Social Sciences Course*** | 3 |
| PSYCH 131 (recommended elective) | 1 | Elective*** | 6 |
| RELIG 205 (Humanities course) | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16-17 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212, COMST 210, COMST 211, or COMST 218 | 3 |
| STAT 101 | 4 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
| HD FS 218 | 2 | Child Dev & Guide Supporting Class | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Humanities Course*** | 3 |
| Social Science Course*** | 3 | Elective* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 369 | 3 | HD FS 479 | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Class | 3 |
| Child Dev & Guide Supporting Class | 3 | Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Class | 3 |
| Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Class | 3 | Electives* | 7 |
| Elective* | 4 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 418B | 2 | HD FS 491^ | 8-9 |
| ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Class | 3 | ||
| Child Dev & Guide Supporting Class | 3 | ||
| Electives | 4 | ||
| 15 | 12-13 | ||
| * | Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate. |
| *** | See HD FS General Education Selections sheet. |
| ^ | HD FS 418B is prerequisite to HD FS 491 Internship, and requires junior classification. |
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Advocacy, Administration, & Policy option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 102 | 3 | HD FS 183 | 1 |
| HD FS 110 or 111 | 1 | COM S 103 or 113 | 3-4 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Social Sciences Course*** | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Biology | 3 |
| PSYCH 131 (recommended elective) | 1 | Electives* | 6 |
| RELIG 205 (Humanities course) | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16-17 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212, COMST 210, COMST 211, or COMST 218 | 3 |
| HD FS 218 | 2 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
| STAT 101 | 4 | Humanities Course*** | 3 |
| Elective* | 3 | Electives* | 6 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 479 | 3 | HD FS 369 | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 3 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 3 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Elective* | 1 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 418B | 2 | HD FS 491^ | 8-9 |
| ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
| Electives* | 4 | ||
| 15 | 12-13 | ||
| * | Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate |
| *** | See HD FS General Education Selections sheet |
| ^ | HD FS 418B is prerequisite to HD FS 491 Internship, and requires junior classification. |
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Health, Well-Being, & Prevention option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 102 | 3 | COM S 103 or 113 | 3-4 |
| HD FS 110 or 111 | 1 | HD FS 183 | 1 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Social Sciences Courses*** | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| PSYCH 131 (recommended elective) | 1 | Biology | 3 |
| RELIG 205 (Humanities course) | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16-17 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212, COMST 210, COMST 211, or COMST 218 | 3 |
| HD FS 218 | 2 | Indvidiual & Family Development Course | 3 |
| STAT 101 | 4 | Humanities*** | 3 |
| Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 | Elective* | 6 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 479 | 3 | HD FS 369 | 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 |
| HD FS 418B | 2 | HD FS 491^ | 8-9 |
| ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
| Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 3 | ||
| Electives* | 4 | ||
| 15 | 12-13 | ||
| * | Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate. |
| *** | See HD FS General Education Selections sheet |
| ^ | HD FS 418B is prerequisite to HD FS 491 Internship, and requires junior classification. |
The Human Development and Family Studies minor may be earned by completing 15 credits
| HD FS 102 | Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | 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 Interaction Dynamics | ||
| 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/.