Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Minor
A minor in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) can be a great compliment to any degree program. It is particularly beneficial for students who plan to work with children, families, and/or individuals in helping roles. The minor allows students to delve into how humans develop across the lifespan and understand individuals in the context of the family environment and the impact of developmental and social factors on the overall being of individuals and families.
Student Opportunities
The HDFS Club is a student organization at Ohio State that helps students navigate the HDFS major and minor through mentoring, advising and faculty engagement. We promote academic success, peer support, and student-faculty collaboration, while offering service, social and academic opportunities for involvement. Advisor: Dr. Autumn Bermea.
HDFS Ambassadors are current student leaders who partner with the HDFS undergraduate program faculty to welcome, connect and support students across the program. Along the way, ambassadors build lasting skills in leadership, communication and professional networking while strengthening the HDFS community.
Undergraduate students in HDFS collaborate with faculty and graduate students on impactful research. Their contributions are valued and often recognized through scholarships, awards, and co-authored publications. Faculty are passionate about mentoring students and fostering future scholars.
Students gain hands-on experience by working in real-world settings related to human development and family science. Field placements allow students to apply classroom learning, build professional skills and explore career paths in diverse community and organizational environments.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) support student learning in the HDFS program while gaining valuable experience and earning $13/hour for 3–20 hours/week. This paid role enhances resumes, especially for those pursuing graduate school or careers in higher education, and offers a chance to give back to the OSU community. The program hires 8–12 UTAs per term. Applications are competitive and due by Week 11 of the prior semester.
Students in HDFS can access a range of financial support at Ohio State, including scholarships, awards, and travel funding. These opportunities recognize academic achievement, research involvement, and leadership. Explore what's available to help support your journey—both inside and outside the classroom.
HDFS Undergraduate Program Awards are presented annually to exemplary students in five categories: Leadership Award, UTA Award, Research Award, Student-Athlete Award and Student-Parent Award. The awards are presented at the EHE Undergraduate Graduation Open House in May each year.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek out opportunities to incorporate study abroad as part of their HDFS undergraduate education. Recently, faculty members Ashley Hicks and Annemarie Turpin have led the Hospitality, Tourism and Gastronomy in Paris program.
Career Paths
Human development and family science prepares you for a multitude of career options in human service, non-profit and public service.
Related degrees
HDFS offers flexible academic options to meet diverse student interests and career goals.
Professional preparation for early childhood educators and childcare professionals (Online program)
Valuable complement to majors in psychology, social work, education, pre-law, and health sciences.
Leads students to sit for the national marriage and family therapy exam and obtain an Ohio license.
Minor Requirements
A minor must be declared by the time a graduation application is submitted. Early declaration is recommended. After a minor is declared, any changes must be approved.
Minimum Credit Hours
12
Minimum GPA
2.0
Grades required
C- or better