The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) program at Penn State York takes an interdisciplinary approach where you will explore the biological, psychological, and sociological facets of life to help others live healthy, successful lives. You will learn the intricacies of individual and family development across the lifespan and the foundations of working effectively in a wide range of human services or health professions with many different groups of people.
We will support you as you learn about promoting healthy development, identifying and managing real-life problems, and intervening when appropriate. Students majoring in HDFS are passionate and committed to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
To prepare for positive impact, students majoring in HDFS complete core courses focused on:
- applied development,
- family science,
- and intervention.
Students then choose advanced coursework and hands-on learning experiences based on their personal and professional interests.
Degree Options
Some students begin by earning an associate degree and can choose to focus on:
- youth and family or
- aging.
At the bachelor's level, you can choose from:
- Human Services - advanced family research, development, and skills
- Health Professionals - health-related courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, nutrition) as well as advanced family, research and development
All options have coursework on development, family studies, interventions, and ethics.
Career Outcomes
Students graduating with a bachelor of science in HDFS work in in a variety of health and human service fields, including early childhood, youth, family, and aging services. Potential professions include:
- advocacy,
- case management,
- direct support,
- program administration.
Meet successful Penn State York graduates with a degree in human development and family studies!
Further Education
With the ability to customize course work and hands-on learning around career interests, a B.S. in HDFS can also be great preparation for graduate study and professional degrees in:
- child life
- counseling (including mental health and school counseling)
- criminal justice
- law
- medical school
- occupational therapy
- public policy
- research
- second degree nursing
- social work
Who Should Enroll
Are you interested in working with people and making a positive difference in their lives? If so, a degree in HDFS might be right for you.
Students may enroll as freshmen or as advanced standing/transfer students. Many students find that a part-time enrollment suits their lives; part-time as well as full-time enrollments are possible.
In our classes, you will find students who have recently graduated from high school sitting beside veterans or students who are returning as adults ready for a career change. This variety of ages and life experiences contributes to the richness of HDFS classes and is a good preparation for future work life. All are welcome!
Internships and Undergraduate Research
Internships are required in students’ final semester to help prepare them for work with preferred clientele.
Undergraduate research opportunities during summer and/or during the academic year are available for motivated students. Several current HDFS students continue to hold part-time positions in research projects where they are trained in research methods and participate in project operations. Research topics include:
- adult relationships
- evaluation of trauma-informed evidence-based therapies lab
- family interactions lab
- fathering and infant studies lab
- prevention of obesity in you children (Recipe 4 Success)
- religion
Students may also hold work study positions. These are excellent opportunities for students to learn project management and research procedures.
