About

The online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) degree with an option in Life Span Human Services from Penn State can help you learn how individuals change from birth to old age, how families and communities influence these processes, and how to apply this knowledge in order to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions designed to improve people's lives.

Why a Human Development and Family Studies Degree Online at Penn State?

Education with Purpose – Pursue a degree that interests you and allows you to help make lives better along the way. Learn how to make a difference by advocating for new social policies and programs or developing new models to prevent and treat social, emotional, and behavioral problems. In addition, you can gain practical, transferable skills that will prepare you to interact with a wide variety of people throughout your career.

Flexibility – The online courses provide the flexibility and convenience to study around your schedule. Skip the lengthy commute time without sacrificing beneficial interactions with your knowledgeable, caring faculty. Learn from the experiences of your fellow classmates without leaving the comfort of your home.

Comprehensive Curriculum – You will have the opportunity to study a wide range of human services and diverse populations while gaining an understanding of human development across the life span and the influences of the family and the community on development. You can learn how people change in response to their surroundings — within families, schools, communities, and the work place. And you can explore how evidence-based interventions improve lives.

Solid Foundation – You have the option of starting the bachelor's program immediately, or you can choose to enhance your professional credentials by achieving important milestones along the way. For example, you could earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Children, Youth, and Family Services, the Undergraduate Certificate in Adult Development and Aging Services, or the Associate in Science in Human Development and Family Studies first. The credits earned in the associate degree and these certificates may be applied toward the bachelor of science in HDFS at Penn State. Use these credentials to set yourself apart on the career ladder as you pursue your education goals.

Applied Learning – This may be an online degree, but preparing for a human services career requires experience working in the field with real people. Most HDFS students complete an internship at a human service organization in their community. Real world experience will help you build professional networks, establish references, and reflect on what you have learned in the classroom.