Mar 25, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin (DRAFT) 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin (DRAFT)

Human Development & Family Studies, B.S.


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

Introduction

The Human Development & 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. This program is also approved for the Certified Family Life Education Credential through the National Council on Family Relations which is recognized in the U.S. and Canada for Family Life Education professions.

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  
Stout Core General Education Requirements:   33-36 credits  
Major Requirements: 48 credits  
Electives 17 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


Stout Core General Education Requirements (CGER) (33-36 credits)


Math & Quantitative Reasoning (3-5 credits)


Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)


Humanities & Arts (6 credits)


Natural Science & Wellness (6-7 credits)


Take at least one natural science with a lab.

Civics & Perspectives (3 credits)


Major Studies (48 credits)


Required Core (48 credits)


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.

Electives (17 credits)


Select additional courses to fulfill the 120-credit requirement. Students must have 6 credits in HDFS. 

Student-Designed Emphasis 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. Select courses with the following prefixes: ART, BIO, COMST, COUN, CTE, ECE, EDUC, FCSE, FN, HDFS, LIT, MUSIC, PSYC, REHAB, SCOUN, SOC, SOCWK, SPED.

Free Electives to Reach 120 Credits


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