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Developmental and Family Science
The Developmental and Family Science curriculum allows students to take an interdisciplinary approach to studying families and human development across the lifespan. Students receive a broad education in human development and family studies, with optional concentrations in child development or family and community health. The major culminates in a capstone experience, designed by the student from among three choices: an internship, a research thesis, or a study abroad experience.
The home of the Developmental and Family Science major is the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, located in Hanley Hall and Fowler House. In HDFS, all undergraduate students experience great academics, personal attention, and real-world experience.
Developmental and Family Science majors are eligible to pursue the accelerated five-year Master of Public Health (MPH) degree; the MPH offers an excellent concentration in family and community health.
Plan of Study
Developmental and Family Science WebpageTransfer to Developmental and Family Science
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Contact Information
HHS Undergraduate Student Services
(765) 494-8533
hhsrecruitment@purdue.edu
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Careers in Developmental and Family Science
Graduates of Developmental and Family Science work in a variety of settings or pursue advanced graduate education.
- prevention and outreach educator
- program development and evaluation
- volunteer coordination
- senior advocate
This degree also offers excellent preparation for graduate programs, including:
- law
- public policy
- developmental psychology
- human development and family studies
If you are interested in a health profession, this major can give you excellent preparation to understand how to treat your patient as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms. Graduates of this program go on to training in osteopathic medicine, occupational therapy, nursing, and more.