Option Requirements

In addition to the core Human Development and Family Studies major requirements, students in the Human Development and Family Science option complete the following:

• Advanced Development (3 credits): Course options include infant development, gender and social development, developmental problems in childhood and adolescence, and issues in gerontology.
• Advanced Family Topics (3 credits): Course options include adult-child relationships, family relationships, family disorganization, racial and ethnic diversity and the American family, and program development in family relations.
• Professional Skills for HDFS Careers (6 credits): Course options include the helping relationship (an intro-level counseling skills course), family policy, development and administration of human service programs, experience in preschool groups, and prevention and treatment of child maltreatment.
• Diversity and Development (6 credits): Any HDFS course or one focused on understanding diversity and human development (see the approved course list).

The Human Development and Family Science option also includes 18 credits of electives, providing many opportunities for students to double major, select a minor, or develop their own list of courses around their career and personal interests.

For a full list of requirements for this, see the Penn State Bulletin.