Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)

School of Human Sciences

The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) program at Stephen F. Austin State University is designed to attract students, to enhance university visibility, and to prepare students to compete in the 21st century. The broad focus of the HDFS program allows graduates to start careers in a variety of fields and positions. The types of locations where a graduate with a degree in HDFS could work include adoption agencies, youth programs, child welfare, patient advocacy, hospitals, marriage and family enrichment programs, nursing homes, and corporate child care. HDFS graduates can work with children and families at all stages of life, as our classes cover topics from child development to gerontology. HDFS provides an in-depth understanding of growth, change, and development of children, adults, and the family, while integrating a life-span, multi-contextual, and family systems approach. Graduates will find this theoretical knowledge essential for their professional careers in a service-oriented profession.

The HDFS program is uniquely designed to meet the needs of our diverse student population. Our program is unique in that it is the only fully-online program offered through SFA! Students can pursue this degree from the convenience of their current location. While we are an online program, we still require our students to engage in service-learning, as well as complete a 200-hour practicum. For students located on campus, we provide experiences such as speaker series, professional development through career exploration field trips, and volunteer services. Our distance students can elect to participate in these activities, too! We utilize current technology to converge our distance and on-campus learners in redefining the educational experience!

CFLE Approved
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Program Delivery
On-Campus
Online
Area(s) of Study
Child/Human Development and Family Science/Studies
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)