Human Development and Family Science | College of Human Sciences

A degree in Human Development and Family Science offers students a flexible program that emphasizes knowledge of the dynamics of human development and family interaction that prepares students for careers in applied family services in industrial, educational, or governmental settings.

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Programs of Study

A minor in Human Development and Family Science is offered and open to all Auburn University undergraduates. Students take two core courses and 12 additional hours of HDFS courses to earn the minor and enhance career preparation.

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The HDFS curricula is designed to develop a multidisciplinary perspective on the study of individuals and families across the life span. With an emphasis on the practical implications of scholarly knowledge, HDFS offers a course of study to prepare students for a variety of careers with children, parents, couples, and families.

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This program is focused on the acquisition of basic knowledge of the dynamics of human development and family interaction, rather than clinical intervention. This knowledge is gained through in-depth examinations of theory and the basic and applied research of the field.

Application Deadline:

Fall 2026 admission: January 5

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Our primary aim with this degree is to develop in students who have already demonstrated a strong interest in family systems and/or in human development (evidenced by outstanding performance in related undergraduate and master's work at Auburn or elsewhere) a high degree of research competence.

Application Deadline:

Fall 2026 admission: January 5

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Additional Information

Across the HDFS undergraduate program, students are prepared to apply theory and academic research to real-world needs in human development and family life. Professionalism and excellence in written and spoken communication is emphasized. Through completion of the HDFS undergraduate program, we expect that all majors will be prepared to:

Articulate and apply HDFS-related theory to address the needs of individuals and families in the community;
Students will demonstrate their critical thinking through writing
Apply principles of professional practice in their HDFS-related field experience; and,
Synthesize classroom and field learning to communicate preparation for accomplishing a specific HDFS-related professional goal.

The HDFS internship is the capstone course for our undergraduate majors. To best meet their personal interests and goals, students can select from a variety of internship tracks. The HDFS internship consists of an intensive semester-long field placement wherein students apply their academic training in a real-life setting. Through this “learning by doing” experience, students develop the knowledge and skills that are critical for successfully achieving their long-range career objectives. Our internship students also make valuable contributions to the well-being of individuals, families, and programs within the local, national, and international communities.

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Since its inception in 2008, the annual Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Internship and Professional Day has served over 4,000 of our HDFS undergraduate students, along with other undergraduates within the College of Human Sciences and across the University, and we have seen hundreds of university, local and regional program representatives. At this event, students are provided with an exclusive venue to learn about careers in Human Development and Family Science and to discover opportunities for practicum, service-learning and full-time internship positions. Through conversations with our community representatives, students also have occasion to practice their professional communication skills.

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HDFS faculty welcome the participation of undergraduate students in their research. Interested students should contact faculty directly to learn about the focus of the various research projects and available opportunities for participation. Involvement in undergraduate research is a great way to strengthen your application for graduate school.

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In Fall 2014, the HDFS department initiated the ePortfolio in the undergraduate curriculum. The ePortfolio is a 21st century method for communicating experience, demonstrating learning, and showcasing skills that support professional goals. The ePortfolio is a website directed to a professional audience and through reflective contextualization it presents a variety of artifacts that conveys the student’s preparedness for accomplishing their goals.

All HDFS undergraduate majors are expected to create an ePortfolio prior to graduation. Typically, students will begin their ePortfolio in HDFS 2030 and finalize it during the HDFS 4920 internship experience.

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Information Sessions. Join us for 1 of our virtual information sessions this November. Attendees will be in breakout rooms based on their programmatic interests (HDFS, MFT, CL, MDP) and have an opportunity to talk with the director and faculty from that program. Questions are welcomed during these sessions.

Information Session 1: Nov 3, 2025 at 7pm CST. Register: https://aub.ie/openhouseNov3
Information Session 2: Nov 12, 2025 at 9am CST. Register: https://aub.ie/openhouseNov12

Application. More information about the application process is provided below. When you are ready to apply, visit the application portal on the Graduate School Admissions page.

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The HDFS Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is an official student Auburn University student organization comprised of currently enrolled graduate students in the HDFS department and exists to improve the quality of education, work, and general wellbeing of the department’s graduate students. The GSO meets monthly during the fall and spring for professional development and social gatherings.

Graduate Student Organization Graduate Organizations

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