B.S. Human Development & Family Studies Online

Prepare for a meaningful career in human development and family life.
Degree Type Bachelor of Science
Careers & Salaries Career Outcomes
Delivery Online

Broadening Human Horizons

UW-Stout's online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) is an interdisciplinary major focusing on the development of individuals across the lifespan, within the context of family and culture. If you're committed to living or working away from campus the program's multidisciplinary approach will provide you with both a broad perspective and specialized knowledge.

The B.S. Human Development and Family Studies is NCFR Accredited.

UW-Stout's B.S. Human Development & Family Studies has been reviewed by the National Council on Family Relations and is recognized as a NCFR CFLE-approved program offering coursework covering the content required for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation. Graduates of NCFR CFLE-approved programs qualify to apply for the CFLE designation via an abbreviated application process.

Graduation cap

100% of Graduates Are Employed or Continuing Education.

Career-Defining Curriculum

Designed to enhance the professional portfolio of a wide range of students, including individuals with an associate’s degree or equivalent, UW-Stout's Human Development & Family Studies has a strong, established reputation of preparing graduates for success in a variety of human service-related areas. Our experienced full-time faculty have created an enhanced, flexible online learning environment. Offering full-time and part-time options, the program prepares graduates to address familial needs through the lenses of age, culture, gender, life stage, relationships and more. 

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Program Overview

View program plans, credit requirements and course descriptions.

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Program Highlights

  • Established and highly reputable program
  • Award-winning instructors
  • Applied learning opportunities
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Excellent employment in the field
  • Proven preparation for graduate school

Ranked #4 Best Online Human & Family Development Programs

BestColleges.com ranks UW-Stout among the Top 5 for online human and family development degrees.
B.S. Cybersecurity at UW-Stout is a Transfer Friendly Program

Transfer-Friendly Program

Our transfer-friendly program lets you bring in up to 60 transfer credits from prior coursework or professional experience. This means you can graduate faster without sacrificing the quality of your education.

Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the B.S. Human Development & Family Studies.

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"I was undeclared my freshmen year and then stumbled upon Human Development and Family Studies. I couldn't believe I had the opportunity to study familial relations, child development, and policies regarding families. I met so many amazing people and learned information that directly relates to my personal life. And we applied theories to situations in the working world."

-- Cyan Bower
B.S. Human Development & Family Studies

Enhanced Online Learning & Customized Instruction

Our flexible customized instruction is designed for adult learners who are beginning their professional journey and transfer students who are wishing to advance their professional opportunities. The excellent transferability of credits assists you in completing your degree in a timely manner.

  • Courses delivered 100% online by award-winning faculty
  • Consistent Fall, Spring, and Summer program course offerings
  • Support from Adult Student Services Coordinators and Distance Librarians
  • Efficient transferability of credits

Customized Tuition & Fees

UW-Stout degree programs using the customized instruction model are designed with the adult learner in mind. If you're comparing UW-Stout's online degree customized instruction (CI) tuition to our competitors, keep in mind:

  • Customized instruction tuition rate includes the textbook rental fee.
  • There are no additional or hidden university-based semester or technology fees.
  • Students in customized instruction programs pay the same rate of tuition regardless of where you live--Wisconsin, California, Texas, or in a foreign country.

More Value for Your Money

Customized Instruction also provides:

  • Program Director/Coordinator: Faculty with academic and industry expertise.
  • Student Services Advisor: One point of contact, providing dedicated support throughout your degree program.
  • Course Sequences & Matrices: Plan ahead with clear program outlines so you know what courses are offered when.
  • Stackable Courses & Programs: Many of our courses and certificates can be applied to our degree programs.
  • Flexibility: Courses are designed to offer the flexibility and convenience working professionals need to get ahead in their careers without sacrificing their current income and responsibilities.

Other universities will present costs and value differently, so make sure you're comparing apples to apples.

APPLICATION & TRANSFER INFORMATION

Application

To apply for the on-campus and online Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, you need to apply to UW-Stout.

Financial Aid

Students who are attending another institution, but are planning to receive their degree from UW-Stout, may be eligible to receive aid from UW‐Stout. In these cases, UW‐Stout is considered the Home Institution and the other campus is considered the Visiting Institution.Transfer Students

Note: When filling out the application form, be sure to make a note in the student comment section that you intend to apply to the "online program." 

Program Objectives

Upon completing the B.S. HDFS program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate professional competence in educational, civic, and career settings.
  • Integrate knowledge of family dynamics to enhance relational functioning.
  • Demonstrate cultural competence, inclusive of multiple aspects and intersections of diversity within a historical and social context.
  • Integrate understanding of the developmental processes in individuals across the lifespan, based on physical, social, emotional, cognitive, moral, and personality aspects within an ecological framework.
  • Critique social scientific knowledge as applied to families and human development.
  • Evaluate the impacts among and between societal institutions and families.
  • Demonstrate personal and interpersonal growth.
  • Demonstrate competent communication skills.

Our program is designed for students ranging from incoming freshmen who are beginning their professional journey to transfer students who are wishing to advance their professional opportunities. The excellent transferability of credits assists transfer students in completing their degree in a timely manner.

Career Opportunities

An academic study, service learning opportunities, and experiential learning with a senior internship prepare graduates for positions in a number of areas, such as:

  • Human service agencies
  • Residential treatment programs and group homes
  • Afterschool/youth mentoring programs
  • Probation and corrections facilities
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Older adult activity and living centers
  • Aging and disability services
  • Human resources management
  • Family resource centers
  • Youth summer camps
  • Child care facilities
  • Public/family policy and advocacy
  • Research 

The program also serves as an excellent foundation for graduate school in disciplines including:

  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Social Work
  • Alcohol and Drug Counseling
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • School Counseling
  • Student Personnel
  • Health and Wellness
  • Family Science
Program Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Members

JamesArenzFirst-Year Advisor, Advisement CenterUW-Stout
Amanda BehmStout OnlineUW-Stout
Laura ClarkProfessional in the FieldPositive Alternatives
Kevin DollProfessor; Program Director, B.S. Human Development & Family StudiesUW-Stout
Kevin DrzakowskiAssociate DeanUW-Stout
Karen DuncansionAlmuniUW-Stout
LorraineGarlandProfessional in the FieldArbor Place
Jeremy HernandezProfessional in the FieldPositive Alternatives
DanielKelseyProfessor; Chair, Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department; Program Director, M.S. Rehabilitation CounselingUW-Stout
Tina LeeProfessorUW-Stout
Jason LynnProfessional in the FieldDunn County Human Services
RyleeMadeyStudentUW-Stout
CandiceMaierAssociate ProfessorUW-Stout
Brittany OlsonProfessional in the FieldBridge to Hope
JasonSchmittDean, CAHSUW-Stout
Bethanne ShrinerProfessor; Program Director, B.S. Human Development & Family Studies OnlineUW-Stout
Abby TengwallCareer Services SpecialistUW-Stout

Human Development & Family Studies

All Human Development & Family Studies News
UW-Stout marriage, family therapy student enjoys building connections, scholarship prepares her for helping profession Featured Image

UW-Stout marriage, family therapy student enjoys building connections, scholarship prepares her for helping profession

Scholarships, graduate assistantships support students in educational, career goals
Inspiring Graduate: Cherie Mandel, B.S. Human Development & Family Studies Featured Image

Inspiring Graduate: Cherie Mandel, B.S. Human Development & Family Studies

‘I am grateful for the opportunities to challenge my thinking and push me out of my comfort zone.’
Graduate’s decision to transfer credits, earn bachelor’s, is opening new career doors Featured Image

Graduate’s decision to transfer credits, earn bachelor’s, is opening new career doors

After earning an associate degree in early childhood education, Pa Chie Vang was excited to pursue her passion — working with children.