Human development and family studies
Bachelor of Science
Overview
- In-state: $9,824
- Out-of-state: $29,300
- WUE/Invitation to Idaho: $13,538
Related Topics
Impact the lifelong well-being of people and families
In this program, you will learn how people develop, form relationships and function within families and communities across their lifespan. Integrating concepts from psychology, sociology, public policy and developmental science, you will gain a strong understanding of the biological, social and cultural factors that shape wellbeing within diverse social contexts.
You will develop applied skills to promote healthy development and family functioning through evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Hands-on experiences with individuals, families and organizations will prepare you for your career. You could also go on to advanced study in human services, social work, counseling, public health, education and related helping professions.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Work well with other people
- Are interested in the complexity of human relationships
- Want to make a positive difference in people’s lives
- Have strong communication skills
- Are involved in your community
Study people. Strengthen families. Build a career that matters.
Curriculum
The B.S. in human development and family studies is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning objectives
- Understand how people grow and change across the entire lifespan
- Explore how relationships and families work and what makes them healthy and resilient
- Identify risk and protective factors and how they shape well-being across the lifespan
- Design, implement and evaluate real-world prevention and intervention programs used in human services settings
- Build professional skills, such as communication and critical thinking, through internships and community engagement
- Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, perspectives and family structures
- Prepare for a career or graduate study in human services, counseling, social work, family life education and related fields
Hands-on learning
- Participate in a service-learning trip to Guatemala to explore cross-cultural variation in family processes
- Volunteer at a domestic violence center or assisted-living facility
- Choose an internship experience that fits your career goals focused on family science, prevention and intervention, human and community services, public health, or a variety of other helping professions
- Assist with research on maternal well-being and parenting dynamics
To prepare for courses required to earn this degree, we recommend you:
- Volunteer in your community
- Work with teens, young adults, families, the elderly, other special-needs groups
- Develop leadership skills
Complimentary minors and certificates
- Women, gender and sexuality studies (minor)
- Human and community engagement (minor)
- Pre-health professions studies (minor)
- Psychology (minor)
- Aging studies (minor)
- Communication (minor)
- Sociology (minor)
- Spanish (minor)
- Undergraduate research (certificate)
- Disability and inclusive human services (certificate)
- Child development (certificate)
- Culturally responsive pedagogy and universal design for learning (certificate)
- Equity and justice (certificate)
- Technical workforce training (certificate)
- Social media management (certificate)
- Public policy analysis (certificate)
- Politics and law (certificate)
- People management (certificate)
- Organizational dynamics (certificate)
- Global citizenship (certificate)
- Food, nutrition and wellness (certificate)
- Child feeding (certificate)
- Design for inclusion and well-being (certificate)
- Economics of public policy (certificate)
Career outcomes
Current job openings
5,750 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Social and Community Service Managers
$88,282 - Personal Care Aides
$44,042 - Community Health Workers
$54,989 - Social and Human Service Assistants
$50,367 - Government Program Eligibility Interviewers
$61,621
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs
- Child Development Club
- Collegiate Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- Food and Nutrition Club
- Phi Upsilon Omicron
Financial aid and scholarships
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Application instructions
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Overview
- In-state: $9,824
- Out-of-state: $29,300
- WUE/Invitation to Idaho: $13,538
Related Topics
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
Request more information
Connect with program faculty
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