Major
Study the patterns of human development and the complexities of family dynamics across the life span.
About the Program
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) explores human development and families across the lifespan. Topics of study include analyzing the different environments (e.g., homes, schools, neighborhoods), structural practices (e.g., laws, policies), and contexts (e.g., culture, diversity) influencing their ability to flourish. While at UConn, many students apply this knowledge to experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research practicums. In addition, students who wish to pursue a career working with young children and their families can focus their studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE).
HDFS graduates enter the job market prepared, with strong critical-thinking abilities, an understanding of equity and inclusion, and well-developed professional career skills. Additionally, they possess the foundations for success in graduate and professional school.
Requirements and Courses
The major in human development and family sciences requires 43 credits at the 2000 level or above, including:
- 31 credits in human development and family sciences.
- 12 credits in courses related to but outside the major department.
The following courses are required for students with a catalog year beginning in 2025 or after.
Required Intro Classes
Complete five courses (16/17 credits):
- HDFS 1060
- HDFS 1070
- PSYC 1100
- PSYC 1101 or 1103
- STAT 1000 or 1100Q
Required courses in HDFS
Complete four courses (12 credits):
- HDFS 2001 Diversity Issues in HDFS
- HDFS 2100 Human Development: Infancy through Adolescence
- HDFS 2200 Human Development: Adulthood and Aging
- HDFS 2300 Family Interaction Processes
Required Writing (W) Courses in HDFS
Complete two courses (7 credits):
- HDFS 2004W Research Methods
- HDFS 4007W Professional Communication
Note: Early Childhood Education and Honors HDFS students may use HDFS 3127W or HDFS 4087W (please consult advisor).
Law / Policy Course
Complete one course (3 credits) from the following options:
- HDFS 3520 Legal Aspects of Family Life
- HDFS 3530 Public Policy and the Family
- HDFS 3540 Child Welfare, Law, and Social Policy
- HDFS 3550 Comparative Family Policy
Selected HDFS Courses
Complete a minimum of three courses (at least 9 credits) from the following options:
- HDFS 2083/3083 Foreign Study**
- HDFS 2095/3095 Special Topics
- HDFS 2120 Introduction to Programs for Young Children
- HDFS 2142E Conservation with Preschoolers
- HDFS 2620 Human Development, Digital Media, and Technology
- HDFS 3080 Seminar Internship*
- HDFS 3092 Research Practicum in HDFS*
- HDFS 3098 Variable Topics in HDFS
- HDFS 3101 Infant and Toddler Development
- HDFS 3102 Early and Middle Childhood Development
- HDFS 3103 Adolescent Development
- HDFS 3110 Social and Community Influence on Children
- HDFS 3122 Integrated Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
- HDFS 3123 Integrated Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten
- HDFS 3127W Professional Development and Advocacy in Early Childhood+
- HDFS 3141 Intergroup Relations and Victimization
- HDFS 3245 Aging in American Society
- HDFS 3249 Gender and Aging
- HDFS 3250 Disabilities: A Lifespan Perspective
- HDFS 3251 Biotechnology, Disability, and the Family
- HDFS 3252 Death, Dying, and Bereavement
- HDFS 3261 Men and Masculinities
- HDFS 3277 Issues in Human Sexuality
- HDFS 3310 Parent-Child Relations in Cross-Cultural Perspective
- HDFS 3311 Parenthood and Parenting
- HDFS 3319 Risk and Resilience in Individuals and Families
- HDFS 3340 Individual and Family Interventions
- HDFS 3342 Family Resource Management
- HDFS 3420 Abuse and Violence in Families
- HDFS 3421 Low Income Families
- HDFS 3425 Food and the American Family
- HDFS 3430 The Family-School Partnership
- HDFS 3431 Families and Work
- HDFS 3442 Latino Health and Health Care
- HDFS 3470 The Latinx Family
- HDFS 3510 Planning and Managing Human Services
- HDFS 3520 Legal Aspects of Family Life*
- HDFS 3530 Public Policy and the Family*
- HDFS 3540 Child Welfare, Law, and Social Policy*
- HDFS 3550 Comparative Family Policy*
- HDFS 4004 Senior Seminar in Research Methods
- HDFS 4255 Living with Chronic Illness
*No more than (3) credits of either 3080 or 3092 can be counted toward the nine selected credits. Any additional law/policy course(s) may be applied toward the nine selected credits.
** No more than (6) 2083/3083 foreign credits can be counted toward the nine selected credits.
Related Area Courses
Complete 12 credits at the 2000 level or above in courses logically related to but outside the HDFS major, as determined by the student’s academic advisor, are required to complete the major. Visit the Forms and Resources page for the the pre-approved related sheet.
No more than 3 credits allowed for related fieldwork, internship, research, and peer counseling courses.
Explore Your Interests
Students have the flexibility to tailor their major to match their interests and goals. With guidance from advisors and faculty, they can design a plan of study that integrates related areas such as:
- Early childhood education.
- Child and adolescent development.
- Adulthood and aging.
- Families and relationships.
- Health and wellbeing
- Diversity and culture.
Resources for Undergraduate Students
Advising
Need help selecting courses or exploring career paths? Our staff and faculty advisors offer personalized support to help you make the most of your education.
Scholarships
HDFS students can apply for a number of scholarships that consider merit and financial need through the Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Career Resources
Not sure what to do with your human development and family sciences degree? Explore recent job titles and industries where our alumni work.
Double Majors, Additional Degrees, and Minors
Students can enrich their college experience by adding a double major, dual degree, and/or a minor.
A double major allows students to complete majors in two different departments or plans in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). An additional degree allows students to complete majors in two different schools or colleges.
Students interested in adding human development and family sciences as a double major, an additional degree, or a minor can meet with an advisor. Students interested in a major or minor outside of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences should meet with that department to get a full understanding of the requirements and timeline for graduation.
Ready to Declare Your Major?
Students can declare or change their major using the Online Program Change website. To do so, log in, select Major Change, and follow the prompts.
If you have a double major or minor, please include that under More Details.
Declare Your Major
Contact Us
For questions about our undergraduate programs, please contact the HDFS undergraduate advising office.