Penn State University–Altoona

Department of Human Development & Family Studies

About the Program

Last Updated: 
September 11, 2012

The Department of Human Development & Family Services at Pennsylvania State Altoona is a small department with strong ties to the community. Faculty are particularly interested in helping students understand development in applied contexts. Students are encouraged to work with faculty members in research projects or in other capacities. Several courses link students to community organizations and agencies, service learning is a part of the curriculum, and all students are required to spend one semester working full-time at an internship.

Program Overview

Program Administrator: 
Dr. Margaret S. Benson
Department Emphasis: 
Area Percentage
  Child/Human Development50%
  Family Studies50%
Campus Enrollment: 
4,000
Programs Options: 
Undergraduate

Undergraduate Program

Program Options: 
  • Life Span Human Development
Courses Offered: 
  • Life Span Development
  • Marriage & Family
  • Infant & Child Development
  • Adolescent Development
  • Adult Development & Aging
  • Ethics in Human Development
  • Introduction to Interventions
  • Empirical Inquiry
  • Family Development
  • Internship
  • Helping Skills
  • Family Conflict Resolution
  • Administering Human Services Program
Comments: 

This program is designed for individuals who have earned at least 60 college credit hours and are seeking preparation as human services professionals with proficiencies in human development and the delivery of human services in communities. The program combines the theoretical underpinnings of human development across the life span with applied study in a community setting. Students develop written and oral communication skills throughout the program, acquire contemporary computer skills, and participate in active learning, team-building, and group exercises. The program allows students of Pennsylvania to become familiar with unique human services and organizations in Pennsylvania communities, a design that set the program apart from other human services degrees offered throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The program helps prepare students for positions with community human services agencies serving children, adolescents, families, and the aged. Many of our graduates go on for advanced degrees

Faculty

Faculty at Penn State University–Altoona