Human Development and Family Studies - Pre-Health Professions

Overview

The Human Development and Family Studies - Pre-Health Professions major at Colorado State University  prepares students for these careers and supports their goals of obtaining graduate training. 

Some of the careers students in this concentration pursue are: allied health practitioner, anesthesiologist assistant, child life specialist, chiropractor, dentist, medical doctor, music therapist, naturopathic or complementary medicine practitioner, nurse, occupational therapist, optometrist, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician's assistant, podiatrist, speech and language pathologist, or veterinarian. 

The courses within this concentration include a focus on science and also help prepare students to work with individuals (and their families) with disabilities, mental and physical illness, or those experiencing death, dying, or grief. In addition, students in this concentration are strongly encouraged to consult with pre-professional advisors in the Collaborative for Student Achievement for specific course (and corresponding course prerequisite) recommendations based on the credentials that they are pursuing, as the prerequisite requirements vary for graduate and professional programs. 

Potential Occupations

Graduates with a major in HDFS are prepared to work in a range of human service sector settings including youth services organizations; early childhood, elementary, adolescent, and parent education programs; health-care settings; juvenile and adult corrections and criminal justice; family and community services; and programs serving older adults, including long-term care facilities. 

HDFS graduates are also well prepared to pursue graduate degrees in mental health, behavioral and social sciences, education, health and medicine, policy and public health, and other professional programs. 

Students interested in teaching human development and family studies content at the secondary level should explore the interdepartmental Major in Family and Consumer Sciences, Education Concentration.