School of Human Development and Family Sciences
The School of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) in OSU’s College of Health is dedicated to the holistic study (incorporating biological, psychological, and social perspectives) of human development and the dynamics of family relationships. Whether you aspire to support the growth and well-being of children, aid aging adults, or strengthen family units, our nationally ranked program offers a comprehensive education that equips you to make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Why Study HDFS at Oregon State?
In our program, you will delve into the intricacies of human development across all stages of life, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern society. From addressing the needs of children and youth with disabilities to understanding the dynamics of poverty and trauma within families, our curriculum prepares you to confront real-world challenges with empathy, insight, and evidence-based solutions.
Job Opportunities
Students in our program go into a wide variety of careers. Some examples include educators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, social service agency administrators, parent educators, child and family policy advocates, Extension youth development specialists, foster care caseworkers, and many others. Many HDFS students also go into university and academic careers in research and higher education.
Sample Courses
- Infant & Child Development; Adolescent Development; Adult Development & Aging (3-course sequence): Study phases of human development across the lifespan.
- Children and Youth with Disabilities: Explore strategies for supporting the unique needs of children and youth with disabilities, fostering their growth and development.
- Families and Poverty: Examine the intersection of poverty and family dynamics, and learn strategies for empowering families facing economic hardship.
- Family Policy: Analyze the impact of public policies on family well-being and explore advocacy strategies to promote positive change.
- Fostering Learning in Early Childhood Development: Gain insights into effective teaching and learning practices in early childhood settings, fostering the development of young learners.
- Family Resilience and Trauma-Informed Care: Study how families can thrive and be supported, even in the presence of different kinds of trauma.
What You'll Learn
As a student in our program, you will:
- Study the intricacies of human development within the context of families, schools, workplaces, and society.
- Gain a deep understanding of developmental stages from infancy through late adulthood.
- Develop the skills to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity in your professional practice.
Major Options
Choose from a variety of major options to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals:
- Child Development: Focus on supporting the growth and well-being of children and youth.
- Human Services: Prepare for a career serving individuals and families in need, addressing a wide range of social and emotional challenges.
- General Option: Pursue a flexible curriculum that can be completed online through Ecampus, allowing for greater accessibility and convenience.
- Early Childhood: (OSU-Cascades campus only): Dive into the unique needs of young children in educational settings.
Programs and Opportunities
All of our degree programs can be completed either in person or online. In addition to our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, we offer a range of undergraduate minors, certificates, and graduate minors to further enhance your education and career prospects, as well as a Microcredential in Child & Youth Development (requiring a 3-course sequence) and Microcredential in Children & Youth with Disabilities.
Join Us
Embark on a fulfilling journey of learning and discovery in the field of human development and family sciences at Oregon State University. Prepare to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities, and to contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. We invite you to explore our program offerings and join our community of scholars, practitioners, and advocates dedicated to promoting human well-being and resilience.
Undergraduate Programs
Major
Minors
Certificate
Graduate Programs
Major
Minors
Marilyn Thompson, Head
470 Waldo Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Email: marilyn.thompson@oregonstate.edu
Website: https://health.oregonstate.edu/schools/hdfs
Faculty & Staff
Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)
HDFS 101, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 111, IMPERFECT & THRIVING, 2 Credits
Explores information and opportunities consistent with a positive transition to OSU in general, and the College of Health in particular. Emphasizes principles of health and wellness, enhancing a sense of belonging and engagement, resources that contribute to student success, as well as personal growth and development. CROSSLISTED as H 111/HDFS 111/KIN 111/NUTR 111.
HDFS 199, SPECIAL PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 201, *CONTEMPORARY FAMILIES IN THE U.S., 3 Credits
An introduction to families with application to personal life. Focuses on diversity in family structure, social class, race, gender, work and other social institutions.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 209, HUMAN SERVICES PRACTICUM, 4 Credits
Field experience to learn, primarily through observation, how to apply human service strategies and skills to helping individuals and families served by professional agencies. Supervision by agency and instructor. Requires 90 hours of work on-site. Seminar introduces basic theories and skills through readings, discussion and reflective exercises.
Prerequisite: HDFS 107 with C- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
HDFS 233, +INTRODUCTION TO THE FIELD OF EARLY CHILDHOOD, 3 Credits
Examines current issues in working with children and families in the early childhood profession. Explores developmentally appropriate practice, legal and ethical issues, diversity, professionalism, and advocacy in early childhood care and education.
Attributes: CSC1 – Core Ed - Beyond OSU Career Preparation; CSC2 – Core Ed - Beyond OSU Career Engagement
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 240, *HUMAN SEXUALITY, 3 Credits
Physiological, psychological, social, and historical influences on sexuality; emphasis on developmental and relationship aspects. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 260, *LIFE HACKS FOR EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND WELL-BEING, 4 Credits
Explores how emotional intelligence develops across the lifespan and within family and societal contexts. Emphasizes theory, research, and practice associated with the development of emotional intelligence across socio-cultural and historical contexts while critically examining strengths and challenges associated with each.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions
HDFS 262, INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES, 3 Credits
An exploration of the human services profession. Emphasis on prevention and early intervention concepts and programs. Development of internship search skills, including an introduction to a wide range of human services organizations.
Equivalent to: HDFS 107
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 310, HUMAN SERVICES PRACTICUM, 4 Credits
Field experience to learn, primarily through observation, how to apply human service intervention strategies and skills to helping individuals and families served by professional agencies and organizations. Supervision by agency and instructor. Requires 90 hours of work on-site. Supplementary bi-weekly seminar, readings, and reports.
Prerequisite: HDFS 262 with C- or better
Equivalent to: HDFS 209
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 311, INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 4 Credits
Research and theory on development from infancy through middle childhood. Discussion of biological, familial, and sociocultural influences. Development of skills in observing children's behavior.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 312, PARENTING RESEARCH AND APPLICATION, 4 Credits
Research and theory regarding parenting and parent education, including parenting styles and practices, discipline, parent-child interactions, attachment, and the family context with an emphasis on professional implications for promoting child health and well-being.
Equivalent to: HDFS 312X
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 313, ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, 4 Credits
Advanced theories and research on physical, social and psychological development during adolescence; emphasizes influences of family, peers, schools and community.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 314, ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING, 4 Credits
Advanced theories and research related to developmental changes and stability in early, middle, and late adulthood. Gender issues, personality, cognition, and adaptation.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 330, ENGAGING WITH CHILDREN AGES 0-8, 4 Credits
Develops skills in applying theoretical approaches to observing, recording, and interpreting the behavior of young children in order to design interactions that support learning in group settings.
Prerequisite: HDFS 311 with C- or better
HDFS 331, PRACTICUM IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 3 Credits
Practices engaging in an educational program designed for young children through placement in a child development program (e.g., infant/toddler, preschool, early elementary school, early intervention or other). Focuses on interaction techniques, classroom management, and implementation of curricula, based on developmental observation, research, and theory.
Prerequisite: (HDFS 311 with C- or better or HDFS 211 with C- or better) and HDFS 330 [C-]
HDFS 341, FAMILY STUDIES, 4 Credits
Study of family forms, family formation, and family change over the human life course is sociohistorical, economic, political, and cultural context.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 360, CRITICAL THINKING IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SCIENCES, 4 Credits
Explores foundations of critical thinking, especially methods for sustaining open-minded inquiry and evaluating evidence and arguments. Current controversies in human development and family policy are targets of debate.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 361, APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits
Basic research methods as they are applied in human development and family studies.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 401, RESEARCH, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 402, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 406, PROJECTS, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 410, HUMAN SERVICES INTERNSHIP, 6-12 Credits
Field experience to apply theory and evidence-based practices to individual, family, and community problems in professional settings. Supervision by agency and instructor. Requires 300 hours of work on-site. Seminar includes reflection and constructive criticism processes. Can be taken across 2 consecutive terms (150 hours each) within the same agency.
Prerequisite: HDFS 107 with C- or better and HDFS 209 [P] and HDFS 462 [C-]
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
HDFS 430, CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER INTERNSHIP, 12 Credits
Participate in an internship in a research-based model early childhood program focused on early childhood education, program development and evaluation, parent education and administration.
Prerequisite: HDFS 330 with C- or better
HDFS 431, FAMILY, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, 3 Credits
Focus on family, school, community environments and interactions for children from infancy to adolescence. Resources and skills for enhancing child development across these settings are emphasized.
Prerequisite: HDFS 311 with C- or better or HDFS 313 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 432, CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES, 3 Credits
Developmental, educational, and family issues related to children and youth with disabilities. Highlights a broad range of human exceptionality, including giftedness.
Recommended: 6 credits of HDFS, SOC or PSY.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 433, EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERNSHIP, 10 Credits
Students will complete an internship in a Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten or First Grade classroom and will focus on curriculum development, implementation and evaluation, individualizing for diverse student needs and communication with students.
Prerequisite: HDFS 311 with C- or better and HDFS 330 [C-] and HDFS 331 [C-]
Recommended: HDFS 261
HDFS 444, FAMILY VIOLENCE AND NEGLECT, 4 Credits
Examination of the causes and consequences of family abuse and neglect, including child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse.
Recommended: 6 credits of HDFS, SOC or PSY.
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 447, *FAMILIES AND POVERTY, 4 Credits
Examines families in poverty focusing on causes and consequences of family poverty, including global economic factors, migration patterns, discrimination, and policies and programs for families. Community service required. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Equivalent to: HDFS 447H
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 447H, *FAMILIES AND POVERTY, 4 Credits
Examines families in poverty focusing on causes and consequences of family poverty, including global economic factors, migration patterns, discrimination, and policies and programs for families. Community service required. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: HDFS 447
HDFS 460, FAMILY POLICY, 4 Credits
Explores the relationships between family policies and family functioning using state, federal, and international policy examples. Reviews theoretical frameworks for conceptualizing family policy to assess the consequences policies may have for family well-being.
HDFS 461, ^PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSAL WRITING, 4 Credits
Principles of program development and evaluation applied to the development of a proposal for a human services program; analysis of needs and resources, identification of empirically-based strategies, and assessment.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: HDFS 360 with C- or better and HDFS 361 [C-]
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 462, PROFESSIONAL HELPING SKILLS, 4 Credits
Explores collaborative, strengths-based methods to resolve individual, family, and community problems. Applies ethical standards to case study, with emphasis on the values of human dignity and social justice. Develops basic helping skills within an empowerment framework.
Prerequisite: HDFS 262 with C- or better and HDFS 310 (may be taken concurrently) [P]
Available via Ecampus
HDFS 469, HUMAN SERVICES INTERNSHIP, 6,12 Credits
Emphasizes field experience to apply theory and evidence-based practices to individual, family, and community problems in professional settings. Supervision by agency and instructor. Includes reflection and constructive criticism processes.
Prerequisite: HDFS 262 with C- or better and HDFS 310 [P] and HDFS 462 [C-]
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
HDFS 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: HDFS 499H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 499H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: HDFS 499
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 501, RESEARCH, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 502, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
HDFS 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 506, SPECIAL PROBLEMS/SPECIAL PROJECTS, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 509, PRACTICUM, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 510, INTERNSHIP, 3-15 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 511, THEORIES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, 4 Credits
Critical examination of significant theories of human development. Emphasizes evolution of theories and impact on current human development research.
HDFS 516, CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 4 Credits
Study of theories, concepts, and issues related to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in infants and children. Covers family contexts, risk and resilience, nature/nurture issues, critical/sensitive periods, the importance of early experience, and the relationship between basic and applied research.
Recommended: 15 quarter credits of social and behavioral sciences.
HDFS 517, ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, 4 Credits
Study of theories, concepts, and issues related to biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development in adolescents. Covers identity formation, family contexts, adolescent sexuality, societal contexts for adolescent development, and risk and resilience processes.
Recommended: 15 quarter credits of behavioral and social sciences.
HDFS 518, ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING, 4 Credits
Study of theories, concepts, and issues related to biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development throughout adulthood. Covers life transitions, stress-related growth, optimal aging, wisdom, and developmental methods.
Recommended: 15 quarter credits of behavioral and social sciences.
HDFS 519, THE LIFE COURSE, 4 Credits
Introduces students to key concepts, principles, and controversies in life-course studies. Emphasizes how the nature and rhythm of the life course is structured by time and place. Examines how the lives of individuals and groups are shaped by history, demography, social institutions, states and policies, and culture.
HDFS 529, INTRODUCTORY DATA ANALYSIS WITH SAS, 1 Credit
Introduction to basic statistical concepts and the use of the SAS software for data analysis.
HDFS 531, APPLIED QUANTITATIVE METHODS I: ANOVA, 4 Credits
Principles and application of general linear models for categorical predictors and repeated measures designs (e.g., ANOVA).
Prerequisite: HDFS 529 with B- or better
HDFS 532, APPLIED QUANTITATIVE METHODS II: LINEAR REGRESSION, 4 Credits
Principles and application of general linear models for continuous predictors (e.g., multiple regression).
Prerequisite: HDFS 531 with B- or better
Equivalent to: HDFS 632
HDFS 533, SOCIAL POLICY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, 4 Credits
Probes how policies and governments affect human development over the life course. Examines experiences in family, education, work, and health. Families are a central lens for examining effects. Offered alternate years.
Equivalent to: HOEC 533
HDFS 534, SOCIAL PROGRAM AND POLICY EVALUATION, 4 Credits
Models of evaluation and application of applied research methods to social programs and policies.
Prerequisite: HDFS 531 with C or better
Equivalent to: HOEC 534
HDFS 538, QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS I, 4 Credits
Critical survey of qualitative approaches in social science research. Examines historical roots, epistemological perspectives, and ethical issues. Includes ethnographic and observational methods, interview, grounded theory, case study, and participatory approaches.
Recommended: 15 quarter credits of behavioral and social sciences.
HDFS 539, QUALITATIVE METHODS II, 4 Credits
Critical survey of qualitative approaches in social science research. Examines historical roots, epistemological perspectives, and ethical issues. Includes ethnographic and observational methods, interview, grounded theory, case study, and participatory approaches. Application of qualitative methods through completion of a qualitative research project.
Prerequisite: HDFS 538 with C or better
HDFS 541, FAMILY STUDIES, 4 Credits
Critical survey of current research in family studies with a focus on diverse family structures and processes.
Recommended: 15 quarter credits of behavioral and social sciences.
HDFS 546, THEORIES OF FAMILY STUDIES, 4 Credits
An overview of the major theoretical perspectives used in the study of families. Issues of theory construction and evaluation are also covered. Course goal is to enable the student to apply conceptual frameworks to a particular area of interest.
Equivalent to: HDFS 547
HDFS 547, FAMILIES AND POVERTY, 3 Credits
Examines families in poverty focusing on causes and consequences of family poverty, including global economic factors, migration patterns, discrimination, and policies and programs for families.
Equivalent to: HDFS 546
HDFS 560, FAMILY POLICY, 4 Credits
Explores the relationships between family policies and family functioning using state, federal, and international policy examples. Reviews theoretical frameworks for conceptualizing family policy to assess the consequences policies may have for family well-being.
HDFS 587, SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY, 3 Credits
An introduction to aging research targeted toward understanding demographics of aging societies, lifespan theories, methods of aging research, psychosocial aging processes, family and caregiving issues, housing and long-term care, and current social policies.
HDFS 601, RESEARCH, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 602, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 603, DISSERTATION, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
HDFS 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 606, SPECIAL PROJECTS, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 610, PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP, 3-15 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HDFS 630, QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT, 3 Credits
Advanced quantitative techniques in human development and family studies. Includes longitudinal designs, structural equation modes. Content varies with each offering.
Prerequisite: HDFS 532 with B- or better
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
HDFS 639, COMMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH, 4 Credits
Focuses on initiating and conducting research in partnership with communities. Includes in-depth examination of community-based participatory research (CBPR) elements, principles, theories, and approaches; how researchers can successfully partner with communities; and research with minority and/or underprivileged communities; with examples from environmental health, gerontology, and health promotions.
Recommended: 9 credits of public health or HDFS graduate coursework
HDFS 665, TEACHING IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SCIENCES, 1 Credit
Principles and practices of pedagogy in human development and family sciences related to both on-campus and Ecampus instruction. Graded P/N.
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
HDFS 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
HDFS 808, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
PREREQ: Application to Early Childhood Leadership Directions.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.