B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences

Program Overview

Oregon State University's Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) program provides a comprehensive online education in human development, family dynamics, and social policy. Students gain the knowledge and skills to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, preparing them for careers in human services such as social work, counseling, and child development. The program emphasizes experiential learning, diversity and inclusion, and research, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
degree program at Oregon State University (OSU) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals, families, and communities to promote their well-being. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding human development across the lifespan, within the contexts of family, school, work, community, and society.
• Objectives: The HDFS program aims to prepare students to:
• Understand the principles of human development and family dynamics.
• Apply research-based knowledge to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
• Engage in culturally responsive practices that promote human dignity and social justice.
• Program Description: The HDFS program is offered fully online through OSU Ecampus.
The program consists of 180 quarter credits, which are equivalent to 120 semester credits. Students can complete the program in four years of full-time study or at a part-time pace. The program's curriculum includes coursework in human development, family studies, research methods, and social policy. Students also complete a practicum experience in a community setting.

Outline:

• Program Content: The HDFS program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Human development across the lifespan
• Family dynamics and relationships
• Research methods in human development and family studies
• Social policy and human services
• Cultural diversity and social justice
• Program Structure: The HDFS program is divided into four quarters per year.
Students typically take three to four courses per quarter. The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in human development and family studies, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest.
• Course Schedule: The HDFS program's course schedule is available online.
Students can view the course schedule for each quarter to plan their coursework.
• Individual Modules: The HDFS program's curriculum is divided into individual modules.
Each module covers a specific topic in human development and family studies. Modules typically include readings, lectures, discussion forums, and assignments.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students in the HDFS program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria for the HDFS program are based on the program's learning objectives.
Students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the following areas:
• Understanding of human development and family dynamics
• Application of research-based knowledge to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities
• Engagement in culturally responsive practices that promote human dignity and social justice

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The HDFS program is taught using a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Online lectures
• Discussion forums
• Group projects
• Simulations
• Case studies
• Faculty: The HDFS program's faculty are experts in human development and family studies.
They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
• Unique Approaches: The HDFS program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
• A focus on experiential learning
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion
• A strong emphasis on research

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the HDFS program are prepared for a variety of careers in human services, including:
• Social work
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Child development
• Gerontology
• Public health
• Career Opportunities: Graduates of the HDFS program are employed in a variety of settings, including:
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Social service agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the HDFS program have a high rate of employment in the human services field.
They are also well-prepared for graduate study in human development and family studies or related fields.

Other:

• Accreditation: The HDFS program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
• Cost: The cost of the HDFS program is $366 per credit hour.
• Financial Aid: Students in the HDFS program are eligible for a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Support Services: Students in the HDFS program have access to a variety of support services, including:
• Academic advising
• Career counseling
• Tutoring
• Library services