Curriculum
The human development and family sciences (HDFS) major provides current knowledge, practical skills and opportunities for hands-on learning to help students excel in fields dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families. You will learn from faculty who recognize the critical importance of engaging in ethical practices that promote human dignity, social justice, and empowerment.
After playing eight years in the NFL, Jacquizz Rodgers completed his HDFS degree online in order to focus on his second career: coaching and mentoring youth. Read more »
Degree requirements
A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your human development and family sciences degree, including:
- OSU's Baccalaureate Core (general education)
- Major requirements: Human development and family sciences
- Specialization requirement: General human development and family sciences option
Honors degree online
As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.
Sample course topics
- Adult development and aging
- Children and youth with disabilities
- Families and poverty
- Family, school, and community collaborations
- Family studies
- Family violence and neglect
- Human sexuality
- Infant and child development
- Parenting research and application
Transfer credits
Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.
Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.
Add a minor
As an OSU Ecampus student, you can add a minor to your degree program. OSU offers a diverse selection of minors online. You can combine your HDFS studies with a minor in health management and policy, or minor in leadership to create an even more powerful résumé fit for today's competitive job market.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization and compliance.
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Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree quick facts
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 180 quarter credits are equal to 120 semester credits.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Find application deadline
View required or recommended deadlines for your student type on our application deadlines page.
Ready to apply?
Once you've gathered the information you need to know before you apply to Oregon State University, take the next steps.
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