Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science
November 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
The Ohio State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science offers a unique opportunity to explore how people grow, thrive, and navigate life’s challenges. This flexible, transfer-friendly degree integrates psychology, sociology, public policy, and developmental science to help you understand human development across the lifespan in the context of family, relationships, education, and community.
Whether you’re seeking a meaningful career in education, advocacy, or human services — or planning to continue your education with a graduate program — this 100% online degree gives you the foundation to make a real-world impact.
Please note: A minimum of 30 post-high-school semester hours (45 quarter hours) is required for admission into the online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science program.
Why choose Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science degree?
- A proven program, now online – Backed by over 45 years of excellence, this established program has evolved to meet the needs of today’s learners. Now offered in a flexible online format, it continues its legacy of preparing students for success.
- Support from start to finish – Receive personalized guidance from expert faculty, your enrollment advisor, and a student support specialist, ensuring you feel understood, challenged, and supported throughout your academic journey.
- Customize your pathway – With a flexible structure that allows for transfer credits and elective options, you can tailor your degree to align with your educational background, interests, and career goals, including preparation for graduate study if you choose to continue your education.
- A degree that fits your life – 100% online, asynchronous courses, give you the freedom to pursue your education while balancing your work and personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
A human development and family science degree can prepare you for a broad range of careers in areas like education, counseling, wellness and healthcare, human services, social work, and government and policy. It’s also a great pathway to graduate studies.
Ohio State’s Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science is a 120-credit hour program. To get started with the online program, you’ll need at least 30 college credits, and you can apply even more previously earned credits — such as those from an associate degree — toward your total. Your time to graduation depends on how many eligible credits you bring in and how many courses you take each semester. Most part-time students take about 6 credit hours per term, while full-time students typically take 12.
The cost of instruction will vary depending on which degree or certificate you are seeking as well as if you are going full or part-time. Please refer to our tuition table or tuition calculator to more fully understand our tuition costs.
Online courses at Ohio State are different from on-campus courses. We have designed online courses to take advantage of the benefits of the virtual experience, including connecting to outside people and ideas, presenting information, and engaging in discussions with your classmates and faculty.
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Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science bachelor’s program offers three start dates each year — in spring, summer, and autumn — so you can begin when the timing is right for you.
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission to the online Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science program, applicants must:
- Have at least 30 or more post-high-school semester hours (45 quarter hours) – Just getting started with your higher education journey? Consider our online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education or Associate of Arts in General Studies programs, which can be applied towards your bachelor’s degree.
- Be a U.S.-based applicant – International students are not eligible for admission to this program.
Ready to get started?
Follow the steps below, and contact an enrollment advisor with questions.
- Application
Applicants for admission to the program must complete an Ohio State Undergraduate Admissions online application. - Personal statement
This is required for those who have not continuously been enrolled in any school. Include a short essay about why you wish to enroll in the program. - Academic credentials and transcripts
Copies of transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended must be submitted for degree verification and undergraduate GPA calculation. Unofficial copies can be uploaded in the online application system to form a complete application packet, but official copies of all transcripts (raised seal or notarized) must still be submitted to the Ohio State Graduate Admissions Office. Note: You do not have to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees received from The Ohio State University. - Non-refundable application processing fee
A non-refundable $60 fee is required at the time of application.
Questions about the application process?
Your enrollment advisor is here to help each step of the way.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science program prepares you for meaningful careers supporting individuals, families, and communities. Whether you want to work with people, contribute to research, influence policy, or pursue graduate school, this flexible degree provides a strong foundation in human development, relationships, and systems, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to support others across a wide range of settings.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Work Activities
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations. Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning. Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $43,580
- Mid Level: $65,140
- Senior Level: $105,870
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4.5%
Related Careers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- School Psychologists
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Psychology
What They Do
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Work Activities
Maintain case history records and prepare reports. Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs. Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $40,580
- Mid Level: $58,570
- Senior Level: $94,030
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4.9%
Related Careers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Work Activities
Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems. Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,060
- Mid Level: $56,270
- Senior Level: $96,400
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-2.1%
Related Careers
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Psychology
What They Do
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Work Activities
Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment. Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships. Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,090
- Mid Level: $59,190
- Senior Level: $98,210
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
What They Do
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Work Activities
Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence. Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed. Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $34,480
- Mid Level: $46,110
- Senior Level: $77,200
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
1.8%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Occupational Therapy Aides
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- English Language
What They Do
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Work Activities
Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse. Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs. Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,620
- Mid Level: $60,060
- Senior Level: $104,130
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
11.6%
Related Careers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Job Sectors
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
What They Do
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Work Activities
Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning. Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations. Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $36,410
- Mid Level: $58,040
- Senior Level: $100,620
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.3%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Data Scientists
- Statisticians
- Survey Researchers
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Work Activities
Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions. Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients. Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $33,280
- Mid Level: $45,120
- Senior Level: $63,850
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.9%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Work Activities
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips. Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers. Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $23,710
- Mid Level: $35,240
- Senior Level: $48,140
Job Outlook
Below Average
Related Careers
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
- Teaching Assistants, Special Education
- Tutors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
What They Do
Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.
Work Activities
Teach undergraduate-level courses. Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades. Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $28,020
- Mid Level: $44,930
- Senior Level: $73,560
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4%
Related Careers
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
- Tutors
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
What They Do
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Work Activities
Assist in bus loading and unloading. Assist librarians in school libraries. Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $23,710
- Mid Level: $35,240
- Senior Level: $48,140
Job Outlook
Below Average
Related Careers
- Instructional Coordinators
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
What can I do with a degree in Human Development and Family Science?
A Human Development and Family Science bachelor’s degree prepares you for jobs in a variety of fields, including:
-
- Human services and social work
- Education and student affairs
- Nonprofit and community outreach
- Health and allied health professions
- Public policy and advocacy
- Criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement
- Research and program evaluation
- Explore the career paths our graduates have taken and learn more about career opportunities.
Preparing for graduate school?
Many graduates continue on to earn advanced degrees in:
- Social work
- Counseling or marriage and family therapy
- Public health or health professions (e.g., pre-med, OT/PT, speech-language pathology)
- Law, education, or human development research
Curriculum
Through coursework in areas like lifespan development, family systems, child and adolescent development, sexuality, and professional development, Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science program provides you with a strong foundation in understanding human growth and relationships.
You’ll have the flexibility to shape your degree around your goals and interests. In addition to core coursework, you can focus your elective credits in areas such as:
- Family and community human services
- Aging studies
- Adolescent and at-risk youth
- Intimacy and sexuality studies
- Social policy and population studies
- Pre-medicine
- Integrated studies
The program includes 72–88 credit hours of required coursework, plus 32–48 elective hours to meet the 120 total credits needed for graduation.
General Education Requirements (32-39 hours)
Launch Seminar (1)
Reflection Seminar (1)
Writing & Information Literacy (3)
Mathematical & Quantitative Reasoning or Data Analysis (3-5)
Literary, Visual & Performing Arts (3)
Historical & Cultural Studies (3)
Natural Science (4-5)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (3)
Race, Ethnic & Gender Diversity (3)
Take 4-6 hours from Citizenship for a Diverse & Just World and 4-6 hours from another Thematic Pathway of choice.
Citizenship for a Diverse & Just World
Choice of 4-6 hours from one additional Thematic Pathway:
- Lived Environments
- Origins & Evolution
- Migration, Mobility, & Immobility
- Sustainability
- Traditions, Cultures, & Transformations
- Health & Wellbeing
- Number, Nature, Mind
College (1 hour) & Supporting Course (9 hours) Requirements
EHE 1100 College Survey (1)
PSYCH 1100 Introduction to Psychology (can overlap with GE Social & Behavioral Sciences) (3)
SOCIOL 1101 Introductory Sociology (3) or SOCIOL 1102 SOCIOL 1102 Social Found. of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Social Class (can overlap with GE Race, Ethnicity, & Gender Div.) (3)
STAT 1350.xx Elementary Statistics (3) or STAT 1450.xx Introduction to the Practice of Statistics (3) (either can overlap with GE Mathematical & Quantitative Reasoning or Data Analysis)
Major Requirements (39 hours)
HDFS 2101 Lives and Relationships: An Introduction to Human Development and Family Science (3)
HDFS 2200 Family Development (3)
HDFS 2400 Life Span Human Development (3)
HDFS 2410 Child Development (3) or HDFS 2420 Adolescence and Emerging Adult Development (3)
HDFS 2210 Helping Skills in Context (3) (synchronous)
HDFS 2367 American Family Issues (3)
HDFS 2900 Methods in Human Ecology Research (3)
HDFS 3200 Foundations of Family Science (3)
HDFS 3440 Human Sexuality and Intersectionality Across the Lifespan (3)
HDFS 4370 Families and Stress (3) (synchronous)
HDFS 5200 Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy (3)
HDFS 5340 Intimate Relationships (3)
HDFS 5350 Families with Adolescents (3)
HDFS 5410 Infant-Toddler Development: Current Research and Controversies (3)
HDFS 5430 Adult Development and Aging (3)
HDFS 5440 Human Sexuality in Context (3)
HDFS 5560 Advanced Family Development (3)
HDFS 5890 Special Topics in Family Development (3)
Any Group A courses not used toward fulfilling the Group A requirement
HDFS 2189 Introduction to Field Work (4)
HDFS 2350 Parenting (3)
HDFS 2410 or HDFS 2420 (whichever not taken in Major Core) (3)
HDFS 3189.xx Field Work with Targeted Populations (1-3)
HDFS 3193 Practicum in Human Development and Family Science Research (1-3)
HDFS 3300 Promoting Early Language and Literacy in ECD&E (3)
HDFS 3310 Developing Age Appropriate Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers (3)
HDFS 3320 Development Age Appropriate Curriculum in Youth Programs (3)
HDFS 3330 Service Learning and Positive Youth Development for School Age (3)
HDFS 3450 Positive Guidance of Young Children in Group Contexts (3)
HDFS 3620 Intervention and Prevention Practices: Development and Evaluation (3)
HDFS 3800 Professional Development (1)
HDFS 3850 Leading Early Childhood Education, Childcare, and School-Age Programs (3)
HDFS 4998 Undergraduate Research in Human Development and Family Science (1-3)
Program Faculty
Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science program is taught by the same expert, dedicated faculty as the on-campus program. These experienced educators are committed to providing personalized support, ensuring you feel understood, challenged, and encouraged throughout your academic journey.
Eugene Folden
Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Department of Human Development and Family Science
Dr. Eugene Folden is Associate Professor of Clinical Practice in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University, where he has taught since 1991. He holds a PhD from Ohio State and has extensive experience in adult development, aging, and family studies. Dr. Folden’s research focuses on aging in the context of family, coping with loss, and optimal aging. He has developed and taught numerous courses, including those on child development, family development, and adult aging. In recognition of his exceptional teaching, he has received multiple “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” awards from Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology, and in 2021, he received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the highest award for teaching excellence at Ohio State.
Autumn Bermea
Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Science
Ji-Young Choi
Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Science
Sarah Lang
Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Science
Deanna Wilkinson
Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Science
Testimonials
Hear from students who found the flexibility and support they needed to succeed in Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science program.
Testimonials
Hear from students who found the flexibility and support they needed to succeed in Ohio State’s online Human Development and Family Science program.
The Human Development and Family Science program at Ohio State did a tremendous job of teaching me valuable skills that can benefit me in a variety of professions, especially the field of mental health.
This program is a great choice for those who wish to pursue a career in the helping fields. It is a flexible major that I could simultaneously track with pre-med and enjoy the extra content I was learning.
The professors and faculty genuinely care about their students’ learning experiences instead of just trying to push them to get good grades. I really love the flexibility of the program, too. It is great for international students to have that flexibility to take online classes and complete their degree.
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best steps you can take toward long-term success. At Ohio State, we understand that knowing your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process.
Below are the tuition fees you can expect with this program. The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science requires 120 credits for degree completion. To be eligible for admission, students must have completed at least 30 post–high school semester credit hours, which apply toward the degree. Your total cost and time to completion will vary depending on the number of credits you transfer. Please note that summer semester instructional and general fees are 75% of the cost of autumn and spring fees, which reduces your overall program cost.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Part-Time – Total Cost Per Semester | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $522.71 | $3,136.26 | $6,272.52 |
| Instructional Fee (Summer) | $392.03 | $2,352.20 | $4,704.39 |
| General Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $22.83 | $136.98 | $273.96 |
| General Fee (Summer) | $17.12 | $102.72 | $205.44 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $7.50 | $45.00 | $90.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $129.29 (per credit hour) | $129.29 | $129.29 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
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