Jan 30, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Human Development and Family Science - Preventative Science (BS)

Location(s): Manhattan Campus, Manhattan Online


The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge and real-world experiences to achieve a sophisticated understanding of how individuals, relationships, and families develop and function across the life course. It also provides a strong foundation for students wanting to go to graduate or professional school, as well as those wanting to pursue a career in: 

  • healthcare (e.g., child life, nursing, occupational therapy, elder care)
  • human services (e.g., youth support services parent education, cooperative extension) 
  • student affairs (e.g., school counseling, academic advising, college student development), 
  • family intervention (e.g., couple and family therapy, divorce mediation, victim services), 
  • government or public policy (e.g., child/family advocacy, juvenile justice, military family services), or 
  • other helping professions (see more career options here: https://bit.ly/HDFS Careers).  

Moreover, students majoring in HDFS can tailor their degree to fit their career goals by selecting a minor, certificate, area of concentration, or internship. HDFS graduates are well-prepared to improve the lives of individuals and families by enhancing their socioemotional, psychosocial, and relational health and well-being. 

Bachelor’s degree requirements

Kansas State University Core: 34-36 Credit Hours


KBOR Statewide Transfer (SWT) Courses: https://www.kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/transfer-articulation.

English (Written Communication Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


Communication (Oral Communication Outcomes): 3 Credit Hours


Natural & Physical Sciences (Natural & Physical Sciences Outcomes): 4-5 Credit Hours


Choose 1 subject area which must include a lab.

Social & Behavioral Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


At least 2 courses from 2 subjects under this area.

Arts & Humanities (Arts & Humanities Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


At least 2 courses from 2 subjects under this area.

Free Electives (Institutionally Designated Area): 6 Credit Hours


Includes ALL 100 and 200 level courses at K-State or in Transfer. 
Note: One course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement. However, students must complete a total of 34-36 credit hours of general education courses.

For a Full Listing of K-State 100/200 level courses you may search those courses individually via the University Course Catalog.

TOTAL CREDITS: 34-36


Program Requirements: (66 Credit Hours)


* If any of the following courses are applied towards University Core Requirements, please consult your advisor on additional courses to meet the 120 hours.

Minor, Certificate, Concentration: (18 Credit Hours)


In consultation with advisor, select 18 credit  hours related to your academic and  professional goals. At least 9 hours must be at  the 300-level or above. In addition, students  are encouraged to participate in an experiential  learning opportunity (e.g., internship, research  experience, etc.) related to their minor,  certificate, or concentration/career-track they select. 

Unrestricted Electives: (20 Credit Hours)


Dependent on course selections to fulfill general education requirements. 

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120