Human Development and Family Studies

A Human Development and Family Studies major will prepare you to work with people throughout all stages of life. In this field, you are trained to help people of all ages lead a better, more fulfilling life. You will help them learn skills and strategies in:

Education
Child care
Youth development
Family interaction
Conflict resolution
Addiction/abuse treatment

Program Information

The Human Development and Family Studies degree offers three specialized focus areas:

Advocacy, Administration, and Policy

For students interested in careers that involve advocacy and non-profit work.
These students can combine their knowledge of human development and intervention with good administrative and management skills to work at non-profit organizations focused on solving social problems.
HDFS provides strong preparation for these entry-level positions as well as for the graduate degree programs required for professional level work in these fields.
These jobs involve less direct service and more program coordination and planning, developing public information materials and advocating for social change.

Child Development and Guidance

For students interested in working with young children.
Students interested in careers that involve caring for and/or educating young children, will discover there are a number of opportunities within this focus area.
HDFS provides strong preparation for these entry-level positions as well as for the graduate degree programs required for professional level work in these fields.

Health, Well-Being, and Prevention

For students interested in working directly with those who need support or assistance, such as individuals with disabilities, justice- involved individuals, or older adults.
Students may also be interested in working with populations who have been negatively impacted by societal issues such as trauma, abuse, substance use, and family instability.
HDFS provides strong preparation for these entry-level positions as well as for the graduate degree programs required for professional level work in these fields.

Careers

As a graduate of the Human Development and Family Studies program, you are well-prepared for helping individuals and families overcome hardships. You are also able to pursue further education focus areas in graduate programs.

Graduate programs in HDFS

Career Services
Prepare for your next job or internship with Career Services, where staff help you with job or internship searches, interview preparation, and resume/cover letter reviews.

Look at a list of career possibilities inside Human Development and Family Studies.

Facilities

The human development and family studies (HDFS) department is housed in the Palmer Building, which is also home to the Iowa State University Child Development Laboratory School and the Financial Counseling Clinic. In addition to these facilities, you will have access to high-tech classrooms and computer labs.