Human development and family sciences

B.A. or B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Gaining the ability to strengthen connections in a community — between individuals, families and the support systems that surround them — is how you can make a difference in the lives of others. And earning your human development and family sciences bachelor’s degree online from Oregon State University is a proven pathway to help you build a career with impact.

Grounded in equity and social justice, this program will equip you to understand human behavior, analyze developmental ecosystems and advocate for well-being across the lifespan. Whether your passion is child development, family advocacy or human services, you’ll build the knowledge to lead with compassion, support resilience and apply culturally responsive practices in ways that help people survive and thrive.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online human development and family sciences degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online human development and family sciences degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who recognize the critical importance of engaging in ethical practices that promote human dignity and empowerment.

  • Evidence-based programming/policy
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Strengths-based practices
  • Behavioral support
  • Grant writing
  • Advocacy and social justice
Woman in yellow dress pushing young child on a tire swing at children's playground
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

Through engaging coursework in development, family dynamics and policy, this program provides practical skills and opportunities for hands-on learning. You’ll study how lives and relationships develop within families, school, work and society, and you’ll learn about different stages of development, from childhood to adulthood.

The online human development and family sciences bachelor’s program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Health.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your degree in HDFS, including:

Three generations of a family enjoying time outdoors, with a man carrying a young child on his shoulders and an older man smiling warmly

Additional program features

In the human services option, you'll explore collaborative, strengths-based approaches to support individuals, families and communities through ethical and culturally responsive helping practices. You’ll also build core skills like empathy, rapport building, and active listening to prepare for work in social and human services.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

This program is offered by Oregon State’s prestigious College of Health, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The College of Health will introduce you to well-rounded public health perspectives that can impact your ability to reach people at all ages and activity levels.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

HDFS careers

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online human development and family sciences degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. As a leader in this area, you’ll be ready for professional work or graduate study in fields such as education, nursing, social work or other helping professions.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to human development and family sciences. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.