North Dakota State University
About the Program
The mission of the Department of Child Development and Family Science is (a) to provide students with a comprehensive, integrated knowledge of families and individuals across the life span as appropriate preparation for careers in human services and/or graduate study, and (b) to conduct research on the variety of factors and contexts relevant to human and family development. The goal of the Department is to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages through teaching, research, and service in a manner consistent with the Universitys land grant mission. The Department recognizes the importance of an ecological approach to the study of human development and families, and utilizes a systemic approach in teaching, research, and service. Interactions of individuals and families with the economic, political, judicial, religious, and educational systems are emphasized. The Department also serves as a resource base for citizens of North Dakota in the area of individual and family life.
Program Overview
| Area | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| Child/Human Development | 62% | |
| Family Therapy | 23% | |
| Family Science | 15% |
Address & Contact Information
Undergraduate Program
- Introduction to Family Science
- Consumer and Society
- Life Span Development
- Prenatal and Infant Development
- Marriage and the Family
- Child Development
- Parent-Child Relations
- Children, Families, and Public Policy
- Personal and Family Finance
- Guidance and Curriculum in Preschool Programs
- Creative Activities for Children
- Children and Stress
- Implementing Creative Activities for Children
- Issues in Sexuality
- Adolescent Development
- Adult Development and Aging
- Family Crisis
- Women in Economic Systems
- Program Administration and Professional Relations
- Children and Families Across Cultures
- Financial Counseling
- Family Dynamics of Aging
- Family Wellness
- Exceptional Child and Family
- Practical Programs for Children and Families
- Observation and Assessment of Children
- Capstone Course
At the undergraduate level, the HDFS department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with five options. In the Child Development option students are prepared for careers involving direct and support services for children. The Family Science option allows students prepare for careers in direct and support services for families. The Child Development/Elementary Education option is a collaborative effort between NDSU and Valley City State University, and the Family Science/Social Work option is a collaborative effort between NDSU and Minot State University; for both options, all courses are offered at NDSU.
Graduate Program
- Children and Stress
- Issues in Sexuality
- Adolescent Development
- Adult Development and Aging
- Family Crisis
- Women in Economic Systems
- Children and Families Across Cultures
- Financial Counseling
- Practical Programs for Children and Families
- Observation and Assessment of Children
- Family Dynamics of Aging
- Family Wellness
- Exceptional Child and Family
- Research Methods in Child Development and Family Science
- Foundations of Marital and Family Therapy I & II
- Clinical Applications in Marital and Family Therapy I & II
- Diagnosis and Assessment in Marital and Family Therapy
- Ethics and Professional Issues in Marital and Family Therapy
- Family Systems
- Advanced Human Development
- Dynamics of Parent-Child Relations
- Theories of Child Development
- Family Theory
- Graduate Seminar
Master's Level
Doctoral Level
Developmental Science (DS) is an emerging approach that combines elements of Developmental Psychology and Human Development by integrating the biological, cognitive, and socioemotional underpinnings of lifespan development and incorporating familial, social, institutional and cultural contexts. Developmental Science stands in contrast to more traditional fields by incorporating diverse disciplinary perspectives into a cohesive framework. Our curriculum incorporates a substantial research apprenticeship that requires students to participate in presenting and publishing research above and beyond their theses and dissertations. This requirement serves to build students' scholarly records and employability while enhancing faculty research productivity. Graduates of the program will be well-positioned to become leaders of this emerging field.
CFLE Information
NCFR recognizes schools offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with course work that follows the Standards and Criteria required for approval as a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). NCFR approval allows the school to offer their graduates the opportunity to apply for Provisional Certification using the Abbreviated Application process. The CFLE Checklist represents the courses that meet the CFLE criteria at that school. Students must complete all the courses on a checklist in order to qualify to apply for the CFLE designation through the Abbreviated Application process.
Email
Tweet
Share on Facebook
Share on Google+
Pin it
The Human Development and Family Science option is a two-year program, designed to provide students with a research-based, comprehensive, and integrated study of child, adolescent, and family development and dynamics. The Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) option is a three-year program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Marriage & Family Therapy Education. The Family Financial Planning (FFP) option is a collaborative, inter-institutional program offered through web-based distance education with a specific curriculum approved by the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board of Standards. The Gerontology and Youth Development options are collaborative, inter-institutional programs also offered through web-based distance education. Graduate certificates in Gerontology and Family Financial Planning are also available.