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*The HDFS major and options, and their associated requirements, were revised for fall 2024. The information on this page is intended to guide students who entered or declared the HDFS major prior to fall 2024  (review those requirements in totality on the archived University Bulletin ). 

HDFS majors have the opportunity to specialize their degree requirements by taking Supporting Courses. Supporting courses should be selected in consultation with their HDFS adviser to help students explore their interests, specialize their degrees, complete a minor, or complete pre-requisites for graduate school. We provide students with lists of recommended Supporting Courses for particular career paths, like social work, counseling, occupational therapy, and policy.

Because HDFS students have many interests, a lot of courses are pre-approved as Supporting Courses for the major.

  • All HDFS courses may be used to fill supporting course requirements.
  • All psychology and sociology courses are pre-approved as supporting courses.
  • The courses listed below have been pre-approved by the HDFS department to fulfill the Supporting Course requirement. This list may also help students who are still exploring their interests identify courses that interest them.
  • In addition, students may request that a course related to their minor or aligned with their career interests count toward their Supporting Course requirement. Students should talk with their HDFS adviser about how to make these requests.

Please note: Some of the courses on this list have pre-requisites. The HDFS department does not control access to courses in other departments. In addition, students should check with their adviser to be sure they are taking Supporting Courses at the correct level (any level or 400-level) to meet their degree requirements.

Business and human resources

These courses support academic studies in business management, human resources, workplace ethics, and finance.

Education and counseling

These courses support academic studies in education across the lifespan, family dynamics, and counseling services. 

Health and health sciences

These courses support academic studies in general health, health disparities, child maltreatment, and health administration and organization.

Humanities

These courses support academic studies in various humanities and liberal arts disciplines, including U.S. and international cultures, sociology, women's studies, and languages.

Law and public policy

These courses support academic study in law, public policy, and criminology. 

Leadership and community engagement

These courses support academic studies in leadership development, communication, and community engagement.