The best way to learn about the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is to come see it for yourself.   Register for a tour today!

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

Human Development and Family Science - Minor

Restart your search

The Human Development and Family Science minor provides students with a foundational understanding of human development across the lifespan and the dynamics of family relationships. This minor complements majors in education, nursing, psychology, social work, and related fields and is ideal for students interested in supporting individual and family well-being, working in human services, or pursuing careers that involve developmental and relational expertise.

Study What Makes Us Human

Earning a minor in Human Development and Family Science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human development across the lifespan and the complex dynamics of family and interpersonal relationships. This minor is ideal for students interested in working with individuals and families in supportive, developmental, or therapeutic roles. Through transdisciplinary coursework, students gain valuable insights and practical skills that prepare them for careers in community outreach, counseling, education, healthcare, and human services.

Program Requirements

To complete the Human Development and Family Science minor, students must successfully complete 21 credits. Students must complete HDF/FFC 251, HDF 252, and HDF 254 along with 12 credits in human development and family science with at least six credits at the 300-level or greater.


HDF/FFC 251 Personal and Family Finance

Management of personal and family financial resources throughout the lifespan related to planning, credit, savings, investment, insurance, taxes, housing costs, transportation costs, retirement, and estate planning. (3 credits) Prerequisite: None

 

HDF 252 Introduction to Relationships, Marriages, and Families

An introduction to evidence-based perspectives on relationships, marriages, and families. Although emphasis is on using family systems theory to understand relationship processes, multiple theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to examine and take positions on numerous contemporary issues in family science. (3 credits). Prerequisite: None

 

HDF 254 Life Course Human Development

Introduction to basic principles of human development through the life course of the individual from conception to death, including common life transitions and social changes that shape people's lives. Roles of family, school, peers, and work will also be examined in relation to human development. Emphasis will be placed on general theories of human development across the life course. (3 credits) Prerequisite: None

 

Electives

Students must complete 12 credits in human development and family science with at least six credits at the 300-level or above.

 


Contact

Headshot of Dr. Patricia Dyk

Patricia Dyk

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Chair and Associate Professor

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment