Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED]

Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.


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         Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.: 4-year sequence , 3-year sequence  

Introduction

The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) field is dedicated to the study of human development and the interrelationships among individuals, families and communities. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws from other social sciences but has established distinct assumptions, approaches to studying families, and world view. A multidisciplinary approach provides students with both a broad perspective and specialized knowledge. Our goal is to foster positive sensitivity to the needs of families and their members through the lenses of relationships, culture, gender, age, and life stage, among others.

The program integrates academic study with significant experiential learning with individuals of all ages, families and community groups. Students are involved in observation/participation, field experience, independent study and practicum throughout the program. Hospitals, human service agencies, community groups, adolescent group homes and homes for senior citizens provide opportunities for the synthesis of practical and theoretical knowledge.

The HDFS program also highly encourages students to study abroad during their time at UW-Stout. A variety of education abroad opportunities are available to students. Courses taken while studying abroad can count towards courses in the HDFS program. Students can choose to take general education courses, HDFS core courses, free electives or concentration/minor courses abroad. For more information about opportunities, please visit the UW-Stout Education Abroad website.

General Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree

Total for graduation 120 credits  
General Education 43 credits  
Major Studies 62 credits  
Concentration or Minor 15 credits  

Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 within the major studies for graduation and to register for the internship experience.

Program Requirements


Racial and Ethnic Studies (6 credits*)


Three credits must be selected from RES-A.

Global Perspective (6 credits*)


Complete a program of university-approved work or study abroad or 6 credits of global perspective approved courses. 

General Education (43 credits)


Analytic Reasoning and Natural Sciences (10 credits)


Courses must be from the areas of analytic reasoning and natural sciences. At least one mathematics or statistics course and a natural science course with a lab are required.

Arts and Humanities (6 credits)


Courses must be from two or more areas including art history/music & theater appreciation, creative/performing arts, foreign language and culture, history, literature, and philosophy.​

Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)


Cross-disciplinary Issues (3 credits)


Courses must be selected from the list of approved cross-disciplinary issues courses.

Social Responsibility and Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)


Courses must be selected from the list of approved social responsibility and ethical reasoning courses.

Selectives (3 credits)


Courses/credits may be selected from the Social and Behavioral Sciences category to meet the 40-credit requirement.

Major Studies (62 credits)


Electives (6 credits)


Select additional courses to fulfill the 120-credit requirement.

Note(s):


The B.S. Human Development and Family Studies undergraduate degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout has been reviewed by the National Council on Family Relations. It has been recognized as an NCFR CFLE-approved program offering coursework covering the content required for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation. Graduates of NCFR CFLE-approved programs qualify to apply for the CFLE designation via an Abbreviated Application process.

Student-Designed Concentration, Certification or Minor (15 credits)


Students complete the degree with selectives chosen in consultation with their advisor, program director, or any minor in consultation with the advisor.

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