B.S.
Human Development and Family Science
Program Overview
The undergraduate program in Human Development and Family Sciences introduces students to applied developmental sciences. We emphasize human development and family life in different settings, such as neighborhoods and communities. Our dynamic curriculum prepares students for experiences in real settings. Such areas involve human service organizations, education, childcare settings, and government agencies.
The program also offers a Child Development Minor. The minor in Child Development requires the following four courses (12 hours) with grades of C- or better. At least 9 hours of minor coursework must be completed at FSU. It is strongly recommended that students take CHD 2220 before taking CHD 3243 and FAD 3343.
- CHD 2220 – Child Growth and Development (3)
- CHD 3243 – Contexts of Adolescent Development (3)
- FAD 2230 – Family Relationships (3)
- FAD 3343 – Contexts of Adult Development and Aging (3)
The minor does not require an application. To officially add a minor, please contact your academic dean’s office.
Course/Degree Requirements
Bachelor's Degree (51 hours)
Minor or Area of Concentration (12 hours)
Minor/concentration must be approved by a department advisor
Human Development & Family Science Prerequisite Courses (12 hours)
- CHD 2220 (3) Child Development
- CHD 3243 (3) Contexts of Adult Development
- FAD 2230 (3) Family Relationships
- STA 2122 (3) Introduction to Applied Statistics (or other 2000-level Statistics course)
Human Sciences Core (3 hours)
Select one course offered by the College of Health and Human Sciences, must come from outside this major.
Required Major Courses (24 hours)
- CHD 4537 (3) Parenting
- CHD 4615 (3) Public Policy: Child and Family Issues
- CHD 4630 (3) Methods of Studying Families and Children
- FAD 3343 (3) Contexts of Adult Development and Aging
- FAD 4265 (3) Family Diversity
- FAD 4805* (6) Practicum in Family & Child Science (must complete with final grade of B-minus or higher)
- FAD 4932* (3) Pre-Professional Development (must have 90 credit hours completed, must complete with a final grade of B-minus or higher)
*HDFS Capstone Experience, see section below
Child Development Minor
Child Development Minor (12 hours) – Students must complete the following courses:
| Department | Course Number | Course Title |
| FAD | 2230 | Family Relationships |
| CHD | 2220 | Child Growth and Development |
| CHD | 3243 | Contexts of Adolescent Development |
| FAD | 3343 | Contexts of Adult Development and Aging |
It is strongly recommended that students take CHD 2220 before taking CHD 3243 and FAD 3343.
Nine (9) of the twelve (12) credits (3 out of the 4 courses) must be completed at Florida State University in the Human Development and Family Science Department.
Capstone Experiences
As part of the department’s professional development sequence, all students must complete both FAD 4932 (Pre-Professional Development) and FAD 4805 (Practicum in HDFS).
FAD 4932
FAD 4932 must be completed with a grade of B-minus or better prior to enrolling in FAD 4805. Students should enroll in FAD 4932 in the semester immediately before the semester in which FAD 4805 is to be completed.
FAD 4805
To enroll in FAD 4805, students must have senior standing and have completed major courses with grades of C- or better.
CHD 4537: Parenting
CHD 4615: Public Policy: Child & Family Issues
CHD 4630: Methods of Studying Families & Children
FAD 4265: Family Diversity
FAD 3343 Contexts of Adult Development and Aging
Course Registration for FAD 4805 is handled within the Department of Human Development and Family Science (SAN 225). To register, students must bring a copy of your (1) current enrollment schedule, (2) unofficial transcripts, and (3) security badge (verification of passing background check).
Note: FAD 4805 requires 150 hours of service at a placement site. The registration form for FAD 4805 is located in Sandels 225.
FAD 4265 - Family Diversity
Course Registration for FAD 4805 is handled within the Department of Human Development and Family Science (SAN 225). To register, students must bring a copy of your (1) current enrollment schedule, (2) unofficial transcripts, and (3) security badge (verification of passing background check).
Note: FAD 4805 requires 150 hours of service at a placement site. The registration form for FAD 4805 is located in Sandels 225.
Directed Individual Study
Some students desire specialized experience in addition to the required and elective courses. Directed Individual Study or “DIS” (CHD / FAD 4905) provides such experience. Students must obtain a faculty supervisor within HDFS and complete the necessary form. In collaboration with the faculty member, students work out a rationale, objectives, and method of evaluation. Once the form is completed and signed by both the faculty and student it needs to be approved by the Department Chair before the student can be enrolled in the DIS course.