Human Development and Family Science

Human Development and Family Science

Curious about how people grow and thrive? Interested in helping others? The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at Kansas State University is the program for you! This program combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences to help you understand how individuals, families, and relationships develop and function. The program takes a trauma-informed, strengths-based persepctive to promote individual, family, and relationship health and well-being across the life course.

HDFS isn't just a major—it's a path to your future! Whether you dream of going to graduate school or starting an impactful career, this degree has you covered. Graduates pursue careers in areas like:

• Healthcare: Think child life, nursing, pediatrics, elder care, family medicine, or occupational therapy.
• Human Services: Work with youth, educate parents, or help through prevention programs like cooperative extension.
• Student Affairs: Be a school counselor, academic advisor, or specialize in college student development.
• Family Intervention: Help as a marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, divorce mediator, or victim advocate.
• Law & Public Policy: Fight for child and family rights, work in juvenile justice, become a lawyer, or support military families.
• Other Helping Professions: So many more opportunities await! Check them out (https://bit.ly/HDFSCareers).

The best part? You can customize your degree to fit your goals. Add a minor, earn a certificate, choose a concentration, or gain real-world experience with internships. Plus, HDFS encourages you to volunteer, study abroad, or join a research team to enhance your learning.

HDFS grads are sought after for their ability to improve the well-being of individuals and families. They're prepared to tackle challenges head-on—whether it's in schools, hospitals, community organizations, or beyond. The trauma-informed approach ensures that students are equipped to support individuals and families with empathy and understanding, creating lasting positive impacts. If you're ready to change lives (while having a meaningful career), the HDFS program at Kansas State University might just be your perfect match. Why not explore how you can make a difference?

The program is recognized as an approved program by the National Council on Family Relations for the Certified Family Life Educator designation.

In addition to studying on the Manhattan campus, students may also choose to pursue a bachelor's degree online through K-State Online.

To learn more about the undergraduate degree in human development and family science, review the additional resources on this page as well as the university course catalog. Our HDFS Career Options page offers additional information about this field of study and the career options it offers.