Human development and family studies
Bachelor of Science
Impact the lifelong well-being of people and families
In this program, you will learn how people develop, form relationships and function within families and communities across their lifespan. Integrating concepts from psychology, sociology, public policy and developmental science, you will gain a strong understanding of the biological, social, and cultural factors that shape wellbeing within diverse social contexts.
You will develop applied skills to promote healthy development and family functioning through evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Hands-on experiences with individuals, families and organizations will prepare you for your career. You could also go on to advanced study in human services, social work, counseling, public health, education and related helping professions.
Overview
Serving others, shaping lives
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Work well with other people
- Are interested in the complexity of human relationships
- Want to make a positive difference in people’s lives
- Have strong communication skills
- Are involved in your community
To prepare for courses required to earn this degree, we recommend you:
- Volunteer in your community
- Work with teens, young adults, families, the elderly, other special-needs groups
- Develop leadership skills
Course descriptions and up-to-date program requirements can be found in the U of I General Catalog.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
5,280 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Home Health Aides • Personal Care Aides
$42,254 - Social and Community Service Managers
$84,050 - Community Health Workers
$55,036 - Social and Human Service Assistants
$47,268 - Government Program Eligibility Interviewers
$58,264
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that you can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Participate in a service-learning trip to Guatemala to explore cross-cultural variation in family processes
- Volunteer at a domestic violence center or assisted-living facility
- Choose an internship experience that fits your career goals focused on family science, prevention and intervention, human and community services, public health, or a variety of other helping professions
- Assist with research on maternal well-being and parenting dynamics
Complimentary minors and certificates
- Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies (minor)
- Human and Community Engagement (minor)
- Pre-Health Professions Studies (minor)
- Psychology (minor)
- Aging Studies (minor)
- Communication (minor)
- Sociology (minor)
- Spanish (minor)
- Undergraduate Research (certificate)
- Disability and Inclusive Human Services (certificate)
- Child Development (certificate)
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning (certificate)
- Equity and Justice (certificate)
- Technical Workforce Training (certificate)
- Social Media Management (certificate)
- Public Policy Analysis (certificate)
- Politics and Law (certificate)
- People Management (certificate)
- Organizational Dynamics (certificate)
- Global Citizenship (certificate)
- Food, Nutrition, and Wellness (certificate)
- Child Feeding (certificate)
- Design for Inclusion and Well-Being (certificate)
- Economics of Public Policy (certificate)
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.