Overview

Human Development and Family Studies (Altoona) at Pennsylvania State University prepares graduates for professional, managerial, or scientific roles in health and human services professions, in public and nonprofit agencies, and in business and industry, as well as for advanced professional or graduate study. Students obtain a broad background in individual and family development across the life span.

Courses emphasize biological, psychological, social/cultural, and economic aspects of development as well as applied skill development. We strive for our curriculum (and the experiences and opportunities we extend to students) to foster cultural humility and highlight diverse characteristics, contexts and considerations that impact individuals, families, and communities.

Two options are available within the major:

Human Development and Family Science Option

Developmental Science for Health Professions Option

Careers

Demand for HDFS graduates is strong because the major provides students with a valuable foundation for understanding important social trends and guides students to develop the knowledge and skills to positively impact individuals, families, and communities. HDFS Students can customize their degree to align with career interests. HDFS students specialize through minors, certificates and credit-based hands-on learning opportunities.

HDFS students complete a capstone experience customized to their interests and designed to enhance their qualifications. Capstones include approved internships, guided research experiences, or advanced courses. The HDFS department capstone program provides:

A capstone preparation class to help students explore interests, identify opportunities, and submit professional applications - and -
Experienced capstone coordinators to help students get the most out of the capstone experience

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Thoughtful Communication for Navigating Human Interactions and Relationships
Values and Ethics in Health and Human Development Professions
Human Development and Family Studies Interventions
Empirical Inquiry in Human Development
Infant and Child Development
Adolescent Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

More details

After November 1, Penn State reviews applications on a rolling basis; International students: check university website for final admission deadline

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Altoona, United States

Disciplines

Family & Consumer Science View 299 other Bachelors in Family & Consumer Science in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online Application via MyPennState or the Common App
Academic Record – the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) for all applicants except those in the South Korean educational system, must submit official transcripts from their last three years of work
Official SAT or ACT scores, should you wish to include them
Proof of English Language Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25634 USD / year

≈ 25634 USD / year
Out-of-State

23550 USD / year

≈ 23550 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13824 USD / year

≈ 13824 USD / year

Living costs

Altoona

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Human Development and Family Studies (Altoona).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Altoona

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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