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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
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Human Development and Family Studies

Why major in Human Development and Family Studies?

Are you a people person? Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) students learn to work with infants, children, teens, families, and the elderly to help them overcome life’s challenges. Are you passionate, committed, and engaged? HDFS students are prepared with the requisite knowledge and skills to secure positions in human services and related fields, as well as to successfully gain admission to graduate school programs.

Request Information About the HDFS Major

Program Highlights

Penn State Altoona’s bachelor of science degree in Human Development and Family Studies prepares you to work in the growing and expanding human services field. It blends the theoretical underpinnings of human development across the lifespan with hands-on, applied practice in community settings. Through the program’s Human Services option, you will explore the human life span in terms of the biological, psychological, and social experiences of individuals and families. The HDFS program offers opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to actual human experiences to find practical solutions to the obstacles individuals and families face to promote well-being.

As an HDFS student, you will complete an internship at a human service agency or business locally, nationally, or globally. You also will gain advanced study of individual development and family relationships, participate in courses that offer community-based experiences, and have the opportunity to study abroad.

As an HDFS graduate, you’ll be prepared to go directly into human service careers with significant experience in the field. Because of the high level of interaction with your HDFS professors, you will be able to establish close relationships with faculty, who can serve as professional references for your future career, and assist you with graduate school applications.

Human Development and Family Studies Contacts

Contact Lauren Jacobson, the HDFS Degree Program Coordinator, or reach out to any of our HDFS faculty and staff.

Request Admissions Information

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Human Development and Family Studies

  • HDFS Degree Requirements
  • Planning for the HDFS Major
  • Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies
  • Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
  • HDFS Faculty and Staff

Suggested Academic Plan

Suggested Academic Plans (SAPs) are sample semester-by-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements.

Human Development and Family Studies SAP for Prospective Students

View the SAP for the B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies (Life Span Human Services Option).

Human Development and Family Studies SAP for Current Students

To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center

Out-of-Class Learning

Out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including:

  • Study Away Programs
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  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Learn more about Out-of-class Learning

See Also

  • Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society
  • Peer Advocacy Program
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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
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • 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
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
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