HDFS Curriculum

In addition to courses in general education, students complete the human development and family studies foundational requirements and, with the assistance of an academic advisor, complete a block of courses more individually related to their lifespan and career interests. Additionally, students choose support courses and electives that reflect their future career aspirations. Through this course work and supervised field experience, students gain skills in observation, needs assessment, program development and implementation, and social policy information as these relate to diverse populations. In accordance with University guidelines regarding the outcome assessment of all students, seniors complete a capstone seminar. This is designed to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in oral and written communication, principles of human development and family studies, research methodology, and the professional skills necessary in human services settings.

The curriculum prepares students to work with individuals and families in a broad range of contexts. While HDFS students are exposed to the principles of development across the life span, each student also chooses courses from the Career Interest Option in order to gain additional knowledge specific to future individual career aspirations.

For example, students interested in pursuing careers working with Children and Families can choose courses that focus on the typical and/or atypical development of children; while those students interested in pursuing careers working with Adolescents and Families can choose courses that address the unique developmental issues of adolescents and their families.

Students interested in preparing for careers in the Health Professions can choose courses that help them to pursue advanced degrees or additional studies for careers as an occupational therapist, physician's assistant, or certified nurse-midwife.

Students who are interested in Adulthood and Aging can complete a series of courses that will prepare them to work with the older adult population.

Students desiring advanced research experience and interested in pursuing careers in research and/or graduate school can choose courses in preparation for Research/Graduate School.

HDFS also offers three options that lead to licensure or a certificate:

  • Students interested in early childhood education can apply to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Licensure program. This two-year program provides the requisite coursework and student teaching experiences for licensure eligibility at the P-3 level. The program is jointly administered by HDFS and the School of Education.
  • Students interested in careers in adulthood and aging may consider a certificate in the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Studies Program (GISP). GISP is an interdisciplinary studies program that provides students with the opportunity to earn an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate certificate in gerontology. GISP helps students to develop an understanding of the aging process, including the biological, psychological and social aspects of adult development and aging. This certificate program is maintained through the CSU Center on Aging.
  • Students can also select coursework designed to help meet professional requirements for certification as a Child Life Specialist. A Child Life Specialist is a member of pediatric health care team that helps hospitalized children and their families deal with the stress of the health care experience.

HDFS Core Courses

Note: All of these Foundational courses require a C or better starting Fall 2008 (previously taken courses with C- are accepted)

  • HDFS CONTENT COURSES:
  • HDFS 310 (3) INFANT & CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEXT
  • HDFS 311 (3) ADOLESCENCE/ EARLY ADULTHOOD IN CONTEXT
  • HDFS 312 (3) ADULT DEVELOPMENT/ MIDDLE AGE & AGING IN CONTEXT
  • HDFS FAMILY STUDIES COURSES:
  • HDFS 334 (3) PARENTING
  • Choose two of the following three:
  • HDFS 302 (3) MARRIAGE & FAMILY RELATIONS
  • HDFS 402 (3) FAMILY STUDIES
  • HDFS 403 (3) FAMILIES & THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
  • HDFS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSES:
  • HDFS 286 (4) PRACTICUM I
  • HDFS 477 (1) PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT II (OR COGNATE*)
  • HDFS 488 (5-8) INTERNSHIP (OR COGNATE*)
  • HDFS 492 (3) SENIOR SEMINAR

In addition all HDFS students will complete a minimum of 14 credits and 5 classes in their career interest areas. Students should work with their advisor to discuss relevant options based on their career interests.

*In consultation with their advisor, students may choose to petition to take a Cognate (a minimum of 3 upper division courses for a minimum of 9 credits) in lieu of HDFS 477/488. A Cognate is an integrated academic or research experience, planned with an academic advisor and approved by the Coordinator of Undergraduate Advising. Specific courses or blocks of courses assist in the exploration or preparation for clearly identified career goals or directions. Students must fill out the Petition for Cognate Approval form.