Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)

On average, HDFS freshmen graduate in 3.8 years!

Do you like working with children and their families?

Do you want to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities?

If so, Human Development and Family Sciences is for you!

Explore human development - from infant brain development to adolescent psychology and healthy aging
Discover the science behind family dynamics - how relationships form, evolve, and strengthen over time
Learn to use multidisciplinary approaches, cutting-edge methodologies, and research to help children, youth, and families succeed.
Focus on pressing real-world challenges like child development, parenting, relationships, mental health, and aging and elder care.
Tailor your focus. Enroll in Career Interest courses that allow for specialized training.

Gain valuable hands-on experience at Texas State’s Child Development Center, community internships, and in our cutting-edge research labs
Graduate with the ability to enter versatile career paths and graduate programs.
- Go into careers in child & family advocacy, child life, youth ministry, early childhood education, human services, nonprofit or community-based work, and so much more.
- Enter graduate programs in child life, human development and family sciences, marriage and family therapy, OT, PT, and public health among others. The possibilities are endless!