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Scenes from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Advising Guide for Students

Who is my Advisor

For instructions on how to contact your advisor click here

FAQs

How many credits do I need to complete my HDF degree?
The HDF major is 120 credits. Therefore, to graduate in 4 years, you must take 30 credits per year (fall, spring, and/or summer).

What is the best way to keep track of my progress in completing course requirements?
Refer to the curriculum sheet and be sure to record every course that you take on the curriculum sheet.

Is there a recommended sequence for taking courses?

  • Give priority to General Education course in your first year. Take your general education requirements in your first year, both semesters. Always consult the General Education Courses booklet when choosing courses for general requirements.
  • You may, instead of a taking a foreign language, choose to study abroad or take 6 credits of "Cross Cultural Competence" (see General Education Courses booklet). You need prior approval from the department for any study abroad courses to count toward the major.
  • Sophomore year, fall semester, take HDF 200, and Spring semester of the same year, take HDF 201.

What are the requirements for being admitted to the Human Development and Family Studies degree program?

To transfer out of University College and be admitted to HDF, you must complete following courses with an overall GPA of 2.00 or better, prior to acceptance:

  • PSY 113,
  • HDF 200 or HDF 201,
  • one 100 or 200 level Gen. Ed. Sociology course or HDF 225,
  • one 3 credit course of Gen. Ed. Math.
You can calculate your GPA by going to Academic Calculator on the University College web site.

If I want to apply for the Early Childhood Certification program what do I need to do?
If you are an HDF major who is seeking early childhood certification (pre K through grade 2), you must take HDF 203 your sophomore year (either fall or spring semester). Also, you must apply to the early childhood certificate program through the School of Education (you are still an HDF major). There are several requirements for applying to this program so it is essential that you go to the School of Education web site for all the application information. Students must have a QPA of 2.5 to apply. Application deadlines are typically the 2nd week of January.

Will I have an academic faculty advisor?
  • When you get your admittance letter to HSS you are automatically assigned an HDF advisor. The name of the professor and their e-mail address is listed in this letter. The best way to make an appointment is to contact your advisor by e-mail.
  • Make an appointment with your advisor to go over your academic plan. Meet with your advisor regularly. Always bring your curriculum sheet with you for an advising appointment.
Can I concentrate in certain areas of Human Development?
  • As juniors, HDF majors can choose to concentrate in one of three areas. They are Child Settings (birth through adolescence, Family and Community Settings (the entire life span), and Family Finance (financial planning over the life span). If you enjoy the core experience course, HDF 205 Family Financial Issues Across the Life Span, you should consider Family Finance. The HDF department offers a Family Financial Counseling & Planning Certificate Program. You must see a Family Finance faculty advisor to do your plan for this certificate.
  • In your junior year you will also complete an early field experience in two areas of the life span as part of your course selections. You should talk with your advisor about this.

How do I plan for my senior field work requirement?
As a senior you will complete a more intensive field work placement. Please consult the Field Experience guide for more information on how to do this.

Can I minor in another area as an HDF major?
Students in HDF can easily minor in another area because the HDF major allows 17-31 credits of free electives. These free electives can be the courses you choose for your 18 credits of a minor. You must see an advisor in the minor you are seeking as well as an HDF advisor to help you plan this.