Graduates will be committed to improving the health and well-being of diverse individuals and families across the lifespan through research, teaching, and professional practice. Recognizing, understanding and addressing the central role of diversity and interdependence among families and communities is a core value of graduates. Students gain knowledge of basic research and the application of research to improving the lives of individuals in the context of the family, the community, and policy. Practical experience in real-world settings is incorporated into the degree program.  Students are prepared to work in community and governmental agencies and organizations that provide human services within changing societies and serve children, youth, and families. Upon graduation, students may apply for provisional certification as a Family Life Educator and with additional work experience they can earn full certification.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development and Family Studies

1. The University requirements for the bachelor’s degree as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
   
   The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Human Development and Family Studies major is met by completing Human Development and Family Studies 345. This course is referenced in item 3. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Social Science for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major.

   a.	All of the following courses (46 credits):
   	HDFS	145	The Individual, Marriage, and the Family				3
   	HDFS	225	Lifespan Human Development in the Family				3
   	HDFS	270	Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies				4
   	HDFS	345	Principles of Family Studies (W)				3
   	HDFS	414	Parenting				3
   	HDFS	442	Ethnic Families in America				3
   	HDFS	444	Interpersonal Relationships in the Family				3
   	HDFS	445	Human Sexuality				3
   	HDFS	447	Management of Human Service Programs				3
   	HDFS	448	Child and Family Policy				3
   	HDFS	454	Family Financial Management				3
   	HDFS	472	Evaluation of Human Service Programs				3
   	HDFS	481	Research and Quantitative Methods in Human				3
   				Development and Family Studies
   	HDFS	493	Internship				6