The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) major prepares students to provide educational, preventive and intervention services to individuals and families which enhance personal, family and community well-being. Students develop the skills needed to assist people of all ages achieve individual and family well-being.
HDFS is an approved program for Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) provisional certification status through the National Council on Family Relations. This allows graduates who have completed the required CFLE coursework to become certified through an abbreviated CFLE application versus taking the certification exam, saving them time and money.
The Human Development and Family Science program at Illinois State prepares you to help people with a variety of choices that impact their lives. This includes:
The program also prepares students for graduate studies in:
For students interested in early childhood education or developmental therapy, Human Development and Family Science is not an approved major and does not fulfill the requirements for the associated credentials in the State of Illinois.
The Human Development and Family Science major prepares graduates to provide services which improve individual and family well-being. This major can lead to various careers in:
This program also prepares students for graduate study in:
There are endless opportunities to get involved as you work toward a career in human development and family science. Begin by joining a student organization like ISU-CFR or Child Life Club where you’ll have the chance to network with faculty, alumni, and professionals as well as fellow students in the HDFS program at ISU.
You might also be interested in picking up a part-time job during the academic year. Bloomington-Normal is home to many human service agencies, childcare centers, and other organizations that hire college students during the academic semesters.
Complete an internship that relates to your career goals. Students in the Human Development and Family Science major will complete a required internship as part of their academic requirements, which typically takes place the summer between junior and senior year. As you engage yourself in your courses, start thinking early about your passions in the field, what you still want to learn, and what kind of internship will prepare you for the career you want after graduation.
Minors can help students gain additional practice and understanding in their future areas of expertise. Some common minors that pair well with
*Adding a minor is not required to graduate
Although not required to be successful in the field, a graduate degree in Human Development and Family Science can qualify you to enter the workforce at a higher level and make you a more competitive professional when entering the job market. Illinois State University offers a unique accelerated master’s option for students who earn their bachelor’s degree through the HDFS undergraduate program. More information can be found here.
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Mariaton Tate | 208 Bone Student Center | mstate@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Lauren Nelson | Turner Hall 106 | lcnels1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 |
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
2.50
2.76 - 3.20
None
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lauren Nelson | Turner Hall 106 | lcnels1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 | All Prospective Students and Current Students Last Names A-F |
Clint Smith | Turner Hall 106A | cmsmit2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 | Current Students Last Names G-Z |
2.50
2.76 - 3.20
Feb 1 - Feb 28; May 1 - May 31; Sep 1 - Sep 30
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Applications for the fall semester are accepted:
Applicaitons for the spring semester are accepted:
Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lauren Nelson | Turner Hall 106 | lcnels1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 | All Prospective Students and Current Students Last Names A-F |
Clint Smith | Turner Hall 106A | cmsmit2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 | Current Students Last Names G-Z |