6 things you should know before college
November 25, 2016
College is different than high school. Keep these things in mind while preparing to come to Colorado State University.
Human Development and Family Studies Major
Combine your care for people with the science of human relationships.
At a glance
This major prepares you for a range of careers empowering health and well-being for people across the lifespan. Blending psychology, biology, and sociology, you’ll learn to identify factors that influence development from infancy through older adulthood. You’ll graduate prepared to work in a variety of settings, or advance to graduate or professional school.
| Degree type | Bachelor of Science | |||
| Format | On campus and online | |||
| Part of | College of Health and Human Sciences and Department of Human Development and Family Studies | |||
| Competitive major? | No | |||
| Accelerated option? | Yes |
Not sure if this is the right major for you?
See all of them!
See all of them!
Concentrations
A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.
Behavioral and Mental Health Programs
If you’re interested in a career as a counselor, therapist, or other helping/human services professional, this is the concentration for you. The coursework provides great preparation for working in education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and many other settings where you can design and implement community-based programs to promote health and wellness for youth, adults, and families.
Early Childhood Professions
This concentration will prepare you to work with young children (infants to third grade) in a variety of settings including education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, foster/adoptive care, and others.
General Human Development and Family Studies
You will enter the major with this general concentration and may continue without declaring another concentration or seeking specialized training. Through this path, you will take courses in human development, psychology, social work, and selected courses from other disciplines for a well-rounded, robust education in human development and family studies.
Leadership and Advocacy
Prepare to champion individuals, families, and communities in a variety of settings. Coursework is focused on advocacy and social justice, providing opportunities to study finance, management, marketing, public policy, professional communication, and leadership.
Pre-Health Professions
If you’re interested in a career or graduate school in a healthcare profession, this is the concentration for you. In addition to your major advisor, you’ll work closely with the Health Professions advisors on campus to ensure you’re aware of requirements and prepared to apply to the schools and careers in the medical field you are interested in.
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Nursing within the HDFS major will prepare you with common nursing school prerequisites. Coursework will equip you to work with people of all ages and their families who experience a wide range of physical and mental abilities. Available Fall 2026.
Some Career Options
Human Development and Family Studies prepares you to work in a wide range of human service settings, such as youth service organizations, education programs, healthcare, criminal justice, and programs serving older adults. You’ll be ready to pursue graduate studies in mental and behavioral health, social science research, education, public health and policy, and other professional programs (such as medicine, nursing, and law school). You will graduate with a degree that applies to your personal development and an array of careers.
- Senior Care Worker
- Higher Education Professional
- Youth/Teen Mentoring Professional
- Behavioral Science Researcher
- Community Outreach Worker
- Family Law/Advocacy Professional
- Mental and Behavioral Health Professional
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Medical Doctor/Nurse
- Individual/Family Counselor
- Nonprofit Agency Worker
- Survivor Advocate
Tour and info session options
Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
College of Health and Human Sciences recruiter at [email protected]
academic Info and Tips
Not sure what to major in? Follow these steps
January 4, 2017
Get all the tools and advice you need to find the major that suits you best.
Why should I join the Honors Program?
September 30, 2017
Current student Marcela explains why the Honors Program at CSU has been a life changer for her, and why you should join.
Competitive majors: must-know tips for transfers from a transfer student
October 11, 2017
Recent grad Holly offers transfer-only advice.
Explore even more
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.