DEVELOPMENTAL
AND FAMILY
SCIENCE
Health and Human Science
What is
Developmental and
Family Science?
Developmental and Family Science is
a major within Purdue's college of
Health and Human Science. Through
this major, students study how
families and specifically, each
individual develop during their
lifetime. Additionally in this major, a
student has the option to concentrate
on specific fields such as community
health or development in children.
Plan of Study/Course
Requirements
When considering this major, students
should know that many of the "basics"
follow the university's main core
requirements. Students are expected
to take one quantitative reasoning
class, two science courses, a science,
technology, & society course, as well
as a humanities course. Additionally,
students are expected to enroll in a
foreign language up to the 20100
level. Finally, students are expected
to take classes without as much
flexibility such as communications
class between COM 11400 or EDPS
31500, an organizational computing
class between CNIT 13600 or CS
23500, an english course between
ENGL10600 or ENGL10800, and some
sort of statistics course between the
options of STAT 11300, STAT 30100,
SOC 38200, or PSYCH 20100.
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT
Students in this major have a Capstone Experience requirement in
which they choose from a thesis, study abroad trip, or an
internship during their senior year in order to gain experience.
Major Specific
Classes
Most juniors and seniors will be
taking classes such as HDFS 30500:
Biosocial Foundations of the Family,
HDFS 33000: Sexuality and Family
Life, and HDFS 59000:Special
Problems. These courses can be
taken as a Developmental and Family
Science major with a concentration in
family health.
Right Fit/Interest in
this Major
Using your MyStrengths finder, a
person with a lot of strengths in the
Relationship Building category may
really enjoy this major! Students with
these strengths and qualities have the
ability to build strong relationships,
and this can be seen in this career
and major while helping connect
families. Additionally, in the MBTI
test, ESFP or ENFJ's may excel and
enjoy this major! Both have warm
qualities with abilities in connecting
with others and their emotions which
is crucial in this field. Finally, with the
SDS test, people with an "S" or social
as their first letter may find
themselves in this major because of
their love for being around others and
helping them!
 MORE ABOUT
DEVELOPMENTAL
AND FAMILY
STUDIES
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS:

This major offers a lot of choice! The final two

years consist of mostly free electives. If not in a
concentration, one is taking up to 15 electives.
This differs between people and their interest in
pursuing a concentration.

This major does not have a minor nor certificate

requirement. There are critical courses such as HDFS 28000:
Diversity to Individual and Family Life and HDFS 34600:
Research Design and Program Evaluation as well as
selectives from the HDFS selective list, Advanced Content list,
and the Human Health list. These two courses do not have
any prerequisites leading up to them. As stated in the last
page, there is a required Capstone Experience in which
students can choose from an internship, thesis, or study
abroad trip. This major consists of mostly lecture based
classes.
CODO REQUIREMENTS:
CODO-ing into this major requires a minimum of 1
semester completion, 12 credits, and a GPA of 2.5.
Though, students can also be accepted with a cumulative
2.3 GPA plus a 2.8 GPA in HDFS 20100 and HDFS 21000. In
addition, although a HHS advising meeting is not
required, it is highly suggested! Students are accepted in
the fall, spring, and summer.

POST-GRADUATE INFORMATION
Students graduating in this field can pursue many different types
of careers. With an undergraduate degree, students can pursue a
career as an adoption agency counselor, caseworker, foster care
worker, marriage and family counselor, social caseworker, as well
as many more! Attending graduate school opens up many more
options for students. Students attending graduate school usually
pursue degrees in child development, counseling psychology,
marriage and family therapy, public health, etc.

HDFS
H E A L T H A N D H U M A N

S C I E N C E S