Program Overview

Human Development and Family Studies Major

The Human Development and Family Studies major prepares students for a range of careers empowering health and well-being for people across the lifespan. This major blends psychology, biology, and sociology, enabling students to identify factors that influence development from infancy through older adulthood. Graduates are prepared to work in various settings or advance to graduate or professional school.

At a Glance

• Degree type: Bachelor of Science
• Format: On campus and online
• Part of: College of Health and Human Sciences and Department of Human Development and Family Studies
• Competitive major: No
• Accelerated option: Yes

Concentrations

A concentration allows students to specialize in a certain area within their major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.

Concentration Options

• Behavioral and Mental Health Programs: Prepares students for careers as counselors, therapists, or other helping/human services professionals. Coursework provides great preparation for working in education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and many other settings.
• Early Childhood Professions: Prepares students to work with young children (infants to third grade) in various settings, including education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, foster/adoptive care, and others.
• General Human Development and Family Studies: Students enter the major with this general concentration and may continue without declaring another concentration or seeking specialized training. This path provides a well-rounded, robust education in human development and family studies.
• Leadership and Advocacy: Prepares students to champion individuals, families, and communities in various settings. Coursework focuses on advocacy and social justice, providing opportunities to study finance, management, marketing, public policy, professional communication, and leadership.
• Pre-Health Professions: Prepares students for careers or graduate school in healthcare professions. In addition to their major advisor, students work closely with Health Professions advisors on campus to ensure they are aware of requirements and prepared to apply to schools and careers in the medical field.
• Pre-Nursing: Prepares students with common nursing school prerequisites. Coursework equips students to work with people of all ages and their families who experience a wide range of physical and mental abilities. Available Fall 2026.

Career Options

Human Development and Family Studies prepares students to work in a wide range of human service settings, such as youth service organizations, education programs, healthcare, criminal justice, and programs serving older adults. Graduates are ready to pursue graduate studies in mental and behavioral health, social science research, education, public health and policy, and other professional programs.

• Senior Care Worker
• Higher Education Professional
• Youth/Teen Mentoring Professional
• Behavioral Science Researcher
• Community Outreach Worker
• Family Law/Advocacy Professional
• Mental and Behavioral Health Professional
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Medical Doctor/Nurse
• Individual/Family Counselor
• Nonprofit Agency Worker
• Survivor Advocate

Related Majors and Graduate Programs

• Related CSU majors:
  • Biology, B.S.
  • Family and Consumer Sciences, B.S.
  • Early Childhood Education, B.S.
  • Health and Exercise Science, B.S.
  • Neuroscience, B.S.
  • Psychology, B.S.
  • Social Work, B.S.W.
• Related CSU graduate programs:
  • M.S. Human Development and Family Studies
  • M.Ed. Early Childhood Education (CSU Online)
  • M.S.W., Master of Social Work
  • O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
  • Ph.D., Applied Developmental Science
  • M.B.A., Business Administration