Credits required
180 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.*
Cost per credit
$350 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
Delivery
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Start terms
4 per year

B.S. Human Development and Family Sciences – Online

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.

Jacquizz Rodgers, human development and family sciences graduate, watches a youth football player go through a drill at the Jacquizz Rodgers Football Camp

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:

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.

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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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