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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Associate Degrees
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Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies

Explore Penn State Altoona's Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) programs by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click on the "Open" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the HDFS Program Coordinator to learn more

This major integrates practical and academic experiences to provide the student with entry-level professional competence in the human service field. The objective of the major is to offer a general education background, a knowledge base in life span and family development, and a core of professional skills that may be applied in program planning and service delivery activities. The major is offered part-time, in the evening, and through independent learning.

Adult Development and Aging Services Option: This option is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of service roles in mental health facilities, nursing homes and other institutions for the aged, area agencies on aging, public welfare and family service agencies, women's resource centers, human relations programs, employee assistance programs and customer services and consumer relations programs in business and industry. An improved field experience in any of a wide variety of settings that serve adults, the aged, and their families, is required for this option.

Children, Youth, and Family Services Option: This option is designed to prepare students for service roles in preschools; daycare centers; hospitals; institutional and community programs for emotionally disturbed, abused or neglected children and adolescents; as well as a variety of public welfare and family service agencies. An approved field experience in a children, youth, or family services setting, is required for this option.

For the associate in science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a minimum of sixty credits is required.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem: 1-2)

GENERAL EDUCATION: 21 credits
(15 of these 21 credits are included in the REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)
(See description of General Education in front of Bulletin.)

ELECTIVES: 0-3 credits

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 51-55 credits
(This includes 15 credits of General Education courses: 6 credits of GWS courses; 3 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GN courses; and 3 credits of GQ courses.)

COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (ALL OPTIONS): 30-31 credits

PRESCRIBED COURSES (21 credits)
ENGL 015 GWS(3), HD FS 129 GS(3)[1], HD FS 301(3)[1], PSY 002 GS(3), SPCOM 100 GWS(3) (Sem: 1-2)
HD FS 395(6) (Sem: 3-4)

ADDITIONAL COURSES (9-10 credits)
EDPSY 101 GQ(3)[1], STAT 100 GQ(3)[1], or STAT 200 GQ(4)[1] (Sem: 1-2)
HD FS 315 DF(3)[1] or SOC 030 GS(3) (Sem: 3-4)
BIOL 141 GN(3), BIOL 055 GN(3), or BI SC 004 GN(3) (Sem: 3-4)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPTION: 21-24 credits

ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING SERVICES OPTION: 21 credits

PRESCRIBED COURSES (6 credits)
HD FS 249GS(3)[1], HD FS 311(3)[1] (Sem: 1-4)

ADDITIONAL COURSES (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from HD FS 312W(3)[1], H P A 101 GS(3), KINES 060 GHS(3), NUTR 251 GHS(3), RPM 277 DF(3) (Sem: 1-4)

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (9 credits)
Select 9 credits in consultation with the adviser from University-wide offerings that enhance competence in the option (Sem: 3-4)

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY SERVICES OPTION: 24 credits

PRESCRIBED COURSES (9 credits)
HD FS 229 GS(3)[1], HD FS 239 GS(3)[1], HD FS 311(3)[1] (Sem: 1-4)

ADDITIONAL COURSES (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from HD FS 312W[1], H P A 101 GS(3), KINES 060 GHS(3), NUTR 251 GHS(3), RPM 277 DF(3) (Sem: 1-4)

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (9 credits)
Select 9 credits in consultation with the adviser from University-wide offerings that enhance competence in the option (Sem: 3-4)


[1]A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better, as specified in Senate Policy 82-44.

Human Development and Family Studies

  • Request Information about Human Development and Family Studies
  • Degree Requirements
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Planning for the Major
  • Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies
  • Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
  • HDFS Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

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See Also

  • Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society
  • Peer Advocacy Program
  • Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
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