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. Get a taste of what we have to offer here.
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
Related Career Interests
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.
Transfer to Developmental and Family Science
Purdue admits to individual majors. In addition to meeting overall Purdue transfer criteria, such as minimum high school course requirements, applicants must also meet major-specific requirements. The major-specific criteria for this program are listed below. Students who meet or exceed these are the most competitive candidates for admission. Before applying, review the closed programs page to confirm your desired major is open to transfer students for your desired entry term.
Minimum GPA: 2.5
