HDFS Undergraduate Program

Applied developmental science to help individuals, families, and communities thrive

Find your fit helping people and working every day to promote healthy development and well-being. Students, faculty, and staff in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) are passionate about using science to improve well-being.

HDFS provides interdisciplinary programs that help students:

• Understand individual, family, community, and social factors influencing people's development. 
• Learn about evidence-based practices to promote cognitive, social, physical, and emotional well-being across the lifespan. 
• Utilize flexible requirements and engaged learning opportunities for individual growth, career exploration, and specialization.

Learn about our undergraduate programs

Students interested in HDFS can explore our bachelor’s of science, two minors, honors program, and concurrent major in Elementary & Early Childhood Education. We offer our degrees at several Penn State campuses, including University Park, World Campus, and other Commonwealth campuses.

Explore student opportunities and supports

HDFS provides many supports for students to learn inside and outside of the classroom as they explore their interests, develop skills, and build their resumes. Students are encouraged to meet every semester with their academic adviser, utilize access to our full-time internship coordinator, and select on- and off-campus opportunities that match their interests.