Human Development and Family Science Program

The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Program at Queens College is part of the Department of Family Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (FNES). The program offers a Bachelors of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Science which requires the completion of 120-credits, including general college curriculum and courses specific to the program of Human Development and Family Science. There are 45-credits of requirements for the HDFS curriculum.

We encourage students from departments including Psychology, Sociology, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Urban Studies or Anthropology to double Major in the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Program. The HDFS program has a 45-credit requirement making it an attractive possibility to double majors. Over the years, many students in these programs have double Majored in HDFS. For students from these departments who decide to double Major, up to three courses from the other Major will count toward the HDFS Requirements. For more information see the document double Major HDFS Course Information on the right. 

The Human Development and Family Science Program has been approved for the Family Life Education Certification (CFLE) by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The certification attests that the curriculum includes appropriate course work for each of the 10 family life substance areas required for the CFLE designation.

The mission of the Human Development and Family Science Program is to prepare students to have knowledge of human development and family science concepts and theories, and to apply current and emerging knowledge to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

The Program Goals and Learning Objectives are:

 Goal 1. Students will demonstrate a broad and deep understanding and knowledge of the major concepts, theories, and scientific principles of the Human Development and Family Science field.

Objective 1: Students will be able to use theoretical frameworks to understand and explain human development, family dynamics and the interactions of families with communities.

Objective 2: Students will be able to explore and apply empirically based information to understand the complexities of human development and family dynamics in the context of society to advance their well-being.

 Goal 2. Students will develop effective critical thinking skills, demonstrate the ability to gather and assess information, respond and adapt to changing situations, make complex decisions, and solve problems.

Objective 3: Students will be able to gather, interpret, and assess the research literature in order to evaluate and solve complex problems and issues. 

Objective 4: Students will be able to examine, question, and articulate multiple perspectives and alternatives to solve problems and make decisions.

 Goal 3. Students will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

Objective 5: Student will be able to create effective evidence-based oral presentations and deliver them to different audiences.

Objective 6: Students will be able to demonstrate well developed evidence-based writing skills.

 Goal 4. Students will demonstrate they understand the role of cultural diversity in human and family development and have the required skills to work in a diverse context.

Objective 7: Students will be able to understand how human development and families are shaped by diverse contexts and cultures.

Objective 8: Students will be able to demonstrate respect for diversity and ability to work in multidisciplinary and diverse teams.

 Goal 5. Students will demonstrate understanding and commitment to respect ethical standards in academic and professional settings. 

Objective 9: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of critical controversies and ethical issues in human development and family issues.

Objective 10: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of and commitment to respect the professional ethical standards and principles practiced in human and family services field.

Strong families are the foundation for healthy communities and societies. Families today are confronted with different challenges (e.g., divorce, illness, poverty, death). Human Development and Family Science professionals help families use resources to promote optimal development and find solutions to their problems using a multi-disciplinary approach (e.g., human development, family relations, family economics and resource management).

Given the applied nature and coursework of our program, our graduates are well equipped to find employment. They have jobs in areas such as social service agencies for children, and elderly, mental health services, or parenting programs. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to help families successfully manage challenges they may encounter across the lifespan and they work in settings such as: State Department of Family and Child Services, Health and Human/Family Services agencies, Day care centers, Family life education centers, Family Service Departments of Hospitals and Clinics, Adolescents’ and children’s residencies, Cooperative Extension services, Consumer Relations Departments of Business and Industry, Non-profit agencies.

Many of our students decide to continue their studies and go for graduate degrees in Social Work, Family Counseling/Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Child and Family Science, Human Resources, Child Life, School Counseling, and other fields.

As part of the program we have a Student Club.  A successful college experience includes academic excellence complemented by meaningful extracurricular activities. Being part of the Club will provide you with guidance and support in becoming a well rounded professional. Students are encouraged to join the Club in order to develop communication and social skills, develop leadership skills, participate in activities, grow in professionalism by learning to participate cooperatively and assume responsibilities, make friends and have fun.

We strongly encourage students to join professional organizations in the field, particularly the National Council on Family Relations, to network with other professionals and gain access to job/career opportunities listings. We also advise students to attend conferences in order to develop professionally, to increase their knowledge by participating to different sessions, connect with professionals in the field, learn how to present their work etc.