Skip to main content
Penn State Scranton
Hotline Contact Us Apply Now Visit
  • Academics
    • Associate Degrees
    • Bachelor's Degrees
    • 2 + 2 Degree Plan
    • Graduate Programs
    • Minors
    • Support Resources
    • Undergraduate Research
  • Admissions
    • Admission Events
    • First-Year Students
    • Transfer
    • International Students
    • Adult Learners
    • Accepted Students
    • High School Programs
    • Veterans and Military
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Information For
    • Prospective Students
    • Parents & Families
    • Alumni & Development
    • Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • International Students
    • New Students
    • Veterans & Military
    • Workforce & Entrepreneurs
Full site navigation menu

This dialog contains the full navigation menu for this site.

Penn State Scranton
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Hotline Contact Us Apply Now Visit
  • This is Penn State Scranton
    • Chancellor's Welcome
    • Campus Leadership
    • Advisory Board
    • Campus History
    • Economic and Community Contribution
    • Mission and Goals
    • Quick Facts
    • Speakers' Bureau
  • Academics
    • Bachelor's Degrees
    • Associate Degrees
    • 2+2 Degree Programs
    • Graduate Programs and Courses
    • Minors
    • Special Programs
    • Academic Support
  • Admission
    • Become a Penn Stater
    • First-Year Students
    • Transfer Students
    • International Students
    • Adult Learners
    • High School Programs
    • Veterans and Military
    • Accepted Students
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Tuition Information
    • Billing and Payments
  • Student Life
    • Activities and Events
    • Clubs and Organizations
  • Community Outreach
    • Career & Professional Development
    • Industry Focused Courses and Credentials
    • Corporate Training Programs
    • Certificate Programs
    • Youth Programs
  • Athletics

Find Information For:

  • Prospective Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Development
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • International Students
  • New Students
  • Veterans & Military
  • Workforce & Entrepreneurs

Helpful Links

  • Bookstore
  • Camps Map and Directions to Campus
  • Campus Calendars
  • Contact us
  • Giving
  • Tech Support
  • Youth Programs

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • flickr
  • youtube
  • instagram
  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
two female students studying for human development and family studies degree sitting at desk in HDFS class with their laptops

Human Development and Family Studies Degree

Overview of the Bachelor of Science in HDFS

Do I want to be a Social Worker or Counselor? Do I want to work with children? Do I want to work with teenagers? The elderly? Drug and alcohol or mental health? Probation? Criminal justice? How can I help those who need help in life? Then Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is for you.

Applied learning working with people of all ages in diverse contexts.

Our B.S. Degree program emphasizes hands on learning to prepare students to work with individuals from birth to old age. HDFS graduates become leaders in human services; develop models to prevent and treat social problems; and become advocates for new social policies and programs.

View Suggested Academic Plan:
Human Development and Family Studies B.S.

What is Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)?

  • Versatile degree program preparing graduates for a variety of options
  • Focus on development across the human lifespan from birth to old age
  • Instruction in interventions to promote healthy development and family function across the lifespan
  • Hands-on learning and internships prepare graduates to work in the community
  • Research opportunities with outstanding and supportive faculty
  • Specialized Minor Degree programs in Child Maltreatment and Gerontology

What does an Bachelor of Science in HDFS prepare graduates for?

  • Knowledge and experience to go right to work with children, adults, and families.
  • Strong foundation for graduate degrees in numerous fields such as human development & family studies, counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, sociology, and behavioral health
I was most surprised by how helpful staff and faculty are in helping you succeed. It gives me a sense of pride. This is a great campus community!  Betty Capozzi, ’20, Human Development and Family Studies Degree
HDFS Student Testimonial
 

Human Development and Family Studies Degree

  • HDFS Careers
  • Internships for HDFS Students
    • Adult, Juvenile Probation, Forensic Internships
    • Child and Adolescent Services Internships
    • Elder Services Internships
    • Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Internships
    • Other Social Services Agencies
  • HDFS Community Service Club
  • Contact Faculty
  • HDFS Faculty Research
  • HDFS Student Research

Contact Human Development and Family Studies Program Coordinator

Janet Melnick, Ph.D.

Teaching Professor, Program Coordinator, Human Development and Family Studies
[email protected]
570 963 2674
Dawson Building, 112E

    HDFS News

    Faculty and students participate in a roundtable discussion at Penn State Scranton with Aging Secretary Robert Torres

    Penn State Scranton joins Intergenerational Program

    Admission Events

    Loading events from Admissions...
    Request Information
    INQUIRE ABOUT ADMISSION
    visit us in person or virtually
    Plan a Visit
    APPLY NOW
    APPLICATION OPENS AUG. 1

    More Academic Information

    Academic Advising
    Academic Calendar
    Academic Support
    Associate Degrees
    Bachelor's Degrees
    2 + 2 Degree Plan
    Graduate Programs and Courses
    Minors at Penn State Scranton
    Registrar
    Special Programs
    Undergraduate Research
    University Bulletin
    Map of Pennsylvania showing Penn State's 24 locations with Penn State Worthington Scranton highlighted.

    Penn State Scranton

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • flickr
    • youtube
    • instagram
    Contact Us Apply Now Visit
    • This is Penn State
      • Chancellor's Welcome
      • Mission and Goals
      • Quick Facts
    • Academics
      • Degrees and Programs
      • High School Programs
    • Admission
      • Apply Now
      • Request Information
      • Visit Us
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
      • Tuition & Fees
      • Financial Aid
    • Student Life
      • Campus Safety
      • Career Services
    • Alumni & Development
    • Giving
    • Community Outreach
      • Corporate Training
      • Youth Programs
      • Request Information
    • Campus Map and Directions
    • Contact Us
      • Campus Directory
      • Faculty Directory
      • Staff Directory
      • Technology Support
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Employment
    Penn State University
    120 Ridge View Drive, Dunmore, PA 18512 570-963-2500

    Footer Legal Menu

    • Privacy
    • Non-discrimination
    • Equal Opportunity
    • Accessibility
    • Copyright
    • The Pennsylvania State University © 2023
    • We Are Penn State