Undergraduate Academic Programs

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (B.S.A.H.S.), Human Development and Family Studies Major

Description of Program

Human Development and Family Studies investigates human behavior from two perspectives: how we develop over the life span from conception through aging, and how we function within the context of the family and other environmental influences. This multidisciplinary major prepares students for careers in the growing field of human and social services.

Degree Requirements

This is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science with a major in Human Development and Family Studies. Graduation requirements include:

  • completion of general education requirements.
  • completion of Human Development and Family Studies Jajor requirements.
  • a minimum of 120 successfully completed credit hours which count toward the degree program.
  • a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
  • a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in courses used to complete the portion of this degree entitled: Human Development and Family Studies Major Courses. 
  • No Pass/Fail except for free electives.
General Education (20–39 credits)

All undergraduate students must complete the IU Bloomington General Education Common Ground Requirements. Visit gened.indiana.edu to review them.

Major (72cr.)

Human Development and Family Studies Major Courses (48 cr.)
A minimum grade of C– is required in each professional core course.
Complete the following courses:

  • SPH-B 150 Introduction to Public Health (3 cr.) +S&H
  • SPH-F 150 Introduction to Life Span Human Development (3 cr.) +S&H
  • SPH-F 255 Human Sexuality (3 cr.)  +S&H
  • SPH-F 258 The Ties That Bind: Relationships, Marriage, and the Family (3 cr.) +S&H
  • SPH-F 341 Today's Families: Understanding Change in Family Dynamics (3 cr.) or SPH-F 457 Protective Factors, Resilience, and Stress in the Family (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 345 More than Just A Relationship: Parents, Parenting, and Children (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 346 The Prenatal Period Through Early Childhood - Human Development I (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 347 Middle Childhood Through Adolescence - Human Development II (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 348 Early Through Late Adulthood - Human Development III (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 417 African American and Latino Families (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 430 Professional Preparation in Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 453 Family Life Education (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 458 Family Law and Policy (3 cr.)
  • SPH-F 497 Internship in Human Development and Family Studies (6 cr.) P: SPH-F430 and 18 additional credits of SPH-F coursework for HDFS and YD majors.
  • SPH-H 494 Research and Evaluation Methods in Health and Safety (3 cr.)

Additional Required Courses (12 cr.)
A minimum grade of C- is required in each additional major course.
Complete the following courses:

  • SPH-B 250 Public Health Communication (3 cr.) or ANTH-A 122 (Formerly: CMCL-C 122) Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.) +S&H
  • SPH-Q 381 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 cr.) or  equivalent statistics course  
  • SOC-S 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.) +S&H or SOC-S 101 Social Problems and Policies (3 cr.) +S&H
  • SOC-S 316 Sociology of the Family (3 cr.)

Professional Electives (12 cr.)
 Complete 12 credits from the list of acceptable Human Development and Family Studies professional electives. A minimum of 9 of the 12 selected credits must be at the 300/400 level. A minimum grade of C- is required in each professional elective course. In addition to the choices on the list of acceptable professional electives, the academic advisor may suggest other courses. Please consult with an academic advisor when choosing these electives.

+ Courses followed by the N&M notation may apply to both the major requirements and the general education, natural and mathematical sciences requirement.


+ Courses followed by the S&H notation may apply to both the major requirements and the general education, social and historical studies requirement.



Suggested Human Development and Family Studies Courses for the First-Year Student
Fall Semester
 ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1 (3 cr.) or equivalent
IUB GenEd Arts and Humanities (3 cr.)
SPH-F 150 Introduction to Life-Span Development (3 cr.)
SOC-S 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)
Free Elective (3 cr.)

Spring Semester
IUB GenEd Math Modeling (3 cr.)
SPH-B 150 Introduction to Public Health (3 cr.)
SPH-F 255 Human Sexuality (3 cr.)
SPH-F 258 The Ties THat Bind: Relationships, Marriage, and the Family (3 cr.)
Free Elective (3 cr.)
Special Opportunities

Students participate in required internships with faculty supervision and have other special opportunities, including a career class, individual research with faculty members, and involvement in service and professional organizations.

Careers

Graduates with this degree are equipped to work in community services for children and families, as well as services specifically focused on maternal and paternal needs. Many graduates go on to work with governmental, mental health, and foster care agencies. Increasing numbers of graduates have been placed in careers of service to those with special needs. Graduates can be employed in hospitals, schools, group homes, and nonprofit organizations. They can also work in human resources, customer service, and consumer relations for businesses. In addition, they have an excellent foundation for graduate and professional school where they can prepare to become social workers, counselors, public health professionals, occupational or physical therapists, nurses, and doctors.

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