Contact
Matthew Mulvaney, Undergraduate Program Director
144C White Hall
315-443-5654
Description
The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is a dynamic interdisciplinary program that is informed by research and theory from the fields of anthropology, psychology, sociology, public policy, and education. We take a cross-cultural and life-span approach to the study of development across communities and contexts (e.g., families, schools, work, and hospitals). HDFS provides numerous opportunities for diverse career paths and advanced degree options. HDFS graduates are prepared to pursue careers as service providers, program administrators, human resource specialists in governmental and nongovernmental agencies serving children, youth, adults, and families. Additionally, graduates may work as advocates and researchers in educational institutions, health services, counselling, and family intervention programs. HDFS is a popular major for students interested in careers in law, medical or health related fields.
Students enrolled in the B.S. in Human Development and Family Science not only learn in the classroom, they receive first-hand experience in the community as well. Students complete a 180-hour community practicum that allows them to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real life settings. As a result, students have a comprehensive understanding of children, youth, adults, and families in theory and in practice.
The 124 credit B.S. degree program provides students with a broad foundation covering a range of issues focusing on the healthy development of children, youth, adults, and families across cultural contexts. In addition to liberal arts courses, students are expected to complete 40 credits of Program Requirements.
Intra-University Transfers
Students who meet the following criteria will be considered for Intra-University Transfer and/or Declaration of Major in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) on a rolling basis.
Intra-University Transfer into HDFS - Students currently enrolled in programs outside the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (Falk College) must meet the following requirements:
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above;
- have completed a minimum of 12credit hours of academic coursework at Syracuse University;
- be making satisfactory academic progress; and
- have expressed academic and career interests in the area of human development and family science.
Declaring a major in HDFS - Students currently enrolled in Falk College interested in declaring HDFS as a major or those currently enrolled in other programs who are interested in declaring HDFS as a second major must meet the following requirements:
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above;
- have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of academic coursework at Syracuse University;
- be making satisfactory academic progress; and
- have expressed academic and career interests in the area of human development and family science.
Interested undergraduate students should contact the HDFS Department to schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies by emailing Kathy Rainone, kbrainon@syr.edu. The HDFS Director of Undergraduate Program will decide whether or not to approve the student’s request.
Upon approval, students should complete the appropriate form (IUT): Application for Undergraduate Intra-University Transfer Form or Declaration of Major Form.
Students who are not accepted into the major may appeal the decision to the HDFS Undergraduate Committee. The decision of the HDFS Undergraduate Committee is final.