Application deadline
Credits and costs
Continue to Work and Earn an Online Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies
The Associate in Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) integrates practical and academic experiences to provide you with entry-level, professional competencies in the human service fields. The course work can help you gain a foundational understanding of life span and family development, and a core of professional skills that you can apply in program planning and service delivery. The online HDFS program can help you get a degree without ever setting foot on campus.
The associate degree in HDFS can also serve as a stepping-stone to further education if you wish to work as a counselor or social worker. Many graduates go on to earn an HDFS bachelor's degree; some eventually enroll in graduate school.
Why an HDFS Degree Online at Penn State?
Two Options — These options were created to give you a choice so you can focus on an aspect of human development and family studies that best meets your career goals:
- The Adult Development and Aging Services option can prepare you for a wide variety of service roles in mental health facilities, or nursing homes and other institutions for the aged. It focuses on the biological, psychological, and social development of adults and elderly persons, with special emphasis on the various contexts of adult development, including work and the family.
- The Children, Youth, and Family Services option is an ideal choice if you want to work with various age groups in centers, institutions, and agencies. The program's ultimate goal is to improve the quality of planned services for families from varied backgrounds and community settings.
Applied Learning — This may be an online degree, but preparing for a human services career requires experience working in the field with real people. HDFS students complete an internship at a human service organization in their community. Real-world experience will help you build professional networks, establish references, and reflect on what you have learned in the classroom.
Quality — This program was developed in Penn State's Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Health and Human Development at University Park.
Who Should Apply?
The associate degree in HDFS offers an excellent professional development opportunity if you already work in a human service–related field; it also serves as an appropriate entry point if you aspire to work in human service–related occupations.
Courses
The associate degree in human development and family studies offers an excellent professional development opportunity for those who already work in a human service–related field, but additionally serves as an appropriate entry point for those who aspire to human service–related occupations. This program integrates practical and academic experiences to provide the student with entry-level, professional competence in the human service fields. The objective of the major is to offer a general education background, a knowledge base in life span and family development, and a core of professional skills that may be applied in program planning and service delivery activities. Students can choose from two areas of focus.
Prescribed Courses (21 credits)
Additional Courses (select 9–10 credits)
-
-
-
or:
-
or:
-
-
-
-
or:
-
or:
-
-
-
-
or:
-
Option Courses (6–9 credits)
Adult Development and Aging Services Option Prescribed Courses (6 credits)
This option is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of service roles in mental health facilities, nursing homes and other institutions for the aged, area agencies on aging, public welfare and family service, women's resource centers, human relations programs, employee assistance programs, and customer services and consumer relations programs in business and industry. An approved field experience in any of a wide variety of settings that serve adults, the aged, and their families is required for this option (HD FS 395).
Children, Youth, and Family Services Option Prescribed Courses (9 credits)
This option is designed to prepare students for service roles in preschools; daycare centers; hospitals; institutional and community programs for emotionally disturbed, abused, or neglected children and adolescents; and a variety of public welfare and family service agencies. An approved field experience in a children, youth, or family services setting is required for this option (HD FS 395).
Supporting and Related Courses (select 15 credits)
You should consult with your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill degree requirements from the HD FS supporting course list, as some courses not listed may be taken to fulfill degree requirements in this category.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 3 credits
- Quantification (GQ): 3 credits
- Any General Education course, including Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked courses): 3 credits
- United States Cultures (US), or International Cultures (IL) or combined designation (US; IL): 3 credits
May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements. - Writing Across the Curriculum (W, M, X, Y): 3 credits
May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $620 per credit | $664 per credit |
| 12 or more | $7,527 per semester | $8,125 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Submit official documents by mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Review the application instructions before beginning.
- Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
- Pay the application fee.
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
With an associate degree in HDFS, you can work in the human services field, promoting health and preventing social and mental health problems for children, youth, and families as well as for adults and the elderly. You can also use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
A Head Start toward a Bachelor’s Degree
A Head Start toward a Bachelor’s Degree
Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full bachelor’s degree.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Associate in Science in Human Development and Family Studies, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Health and Human Development, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Faculty
-
Shannon A. Corkery
-
DegreePh.D., Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
-
DegreeM.S., Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
-
DegreeB.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeB.S., Psychology, Penn State
Dr. Shannon A. Corkery is the director of the human development and family studies program for Penn State World Campus. In this role, she manages staffing, curriculum, student communications, and more. She instructs and has authored and co-authored numerous HDFS World Campus courses, including HDFS 301, 312w, 411, 433, and 455. Dr. Corkery coordinates with the resident HDFS program at Penn State University Park to uphold programmatic standards and plan strategic initiatives.
-
-
Megan Baril
-
DegreePh.D., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeM.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeB.A., Psychology, Wake Forest University
Dr. Megan Baril is co-author and instructor of HDFS 129: Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies. Since receiving her doctorate, she has taught both online and in the classroom. Her research interests include exploring dynamics and processes within the context of families with adolescent offspring, the development of parental knowledge over middle childhood and adolescence, and associations between religiosity family processes, parenting, and parent-child relationship quality.
-
-
Joanna Bissell-Havran
-
DegreePh.D., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeGraduate Minor, Statistics, Penn State
-
DegreeM.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeB.A., Psychology, Spanish, Lebanon Valley College
Dr. Joanna Bissell-Havran is an assistant teaching professor of human development and family studies. She primarily teaches courses on research methods and child and adolescent development. Previously, she taught graduate-level courses on statistics and lifespan development and mentored dissertation students for Walden University. She also conducted research on adolescents' achievement motivation and sexual development.
-
-
Elizabeth Cipriano Essel
-
DegreePh.D., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeM.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeB.A., Psychology, University of Michigan
Dr. Elizabeth Cipriano Essel is author and instructor of HDFS 428: Infant Development and co-author and instructor of HDFS 229: Infant and Child Development. Prior to becoming a Penn State World Campus instructor for HDFS, she completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Penn State, where she conducted research on the effects of maltreatment, parenting, and individual differences (i.e., temperament, physiology) on preschool children's self-regulation development.
-
-
Jennifer Crissman Ishler
-
DegreeD.Ed., Higher Education Administration, Penn State
-
DegreeM.S., Counseling and Student Affairs, Shippensburg University
-
DegreeB.S., Elementary Education, Millersville University
Dr. Jennifer Crissman Ishler, associate professor of teaching in HDFS, instructs first-year seminars and HDFS 311, 411, and 414 at Penn State University Park, where she also advises the College of Health and Human Development's Women's Leadership Initiative Program. Dr. Crissman Ishler also instructs HDFS 311 and HDFS 414 for Penn State World Campus. Additionally, she is the creator, author, and instructor of upper-level HDFS offerings available through Penn State and Penn State World Campus on adoption — practice, policy, and experience.
-
-
Teresa (Terry) Cummins
-
DegreeMaster of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management, Penn State
-
DegreeB.S., Recreation and Park Management, Concentration in Commercial Recreation and Tourism, Penn State
Teresa (Terry) Cummins is director of HDFS Penn State World Campus internships and an instructor for the associate and bachelor's degrees' internship sequence: HDFS 395.1 and 395.2 and HDFS 490, 495A, and 495B. She works with students to identify internship experiences that help support their career goals and to apply their academic knowledge to hands-on learning experiences. Before joining HDFS, she was the director for diversity at the Smeal College of Business, where she mentored underrepresented students in their development of professionalism skills to obtain internships and full-time employment.
-
-
Meghan Sinton Miller
-
DegreePh.D., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
-
DegreeB.A., Psychology, Biological Psychology Concentration, College of the Holy Cross
Dr. Meghan Sinton Miller is the author and instructor of HD FS 429: Advanced Child Development. She has experience teaching a range of courses on child and adolescent development, and research interests that examine individual, family, peer, and cultural influences on child and adolescent body image and eating behavior.
-
-
Joel A. Muraco
-
DegreePh.D., Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
-
DegreeM.S., Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
-
DegreeB.S., Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
-
DegreeB.A., English and Creative Writing, University of Arizona
Dr. Joel A. Muraco teaches the Penn State World Campus course HDFS 250: Sexual Identity over the Lifespan. He also teaches online courses in family development, adolescent development, family policy, and human sexuality for the Human Development Department at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where he was formerly assistant professor. He works full-time as a career educator at the University of Arizona.
-
-
Julie A. States
-
DegreePh.D., Counseling Psychology, West Virginia University
-
DegreeM.A., Community Counseling, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
-
DegreeB.S., Rehabilitation Counseling, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Julie A. States is instructor for the Penn State World Campus course HDFS 301: Values and Ethics in the Human Development Professions. She has also taught resident courses that include HDFS 301; HDFS 239: Adolescent Development; and HDFS 414: Resolving Human Development and Family Problems. Dr. States is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and maintains a private psychotherapy practice in State College. She was previously a staff psychologist at Counseling and Psychological Services at Penn State where she instructed the doctoral practicum class and coordinated the group program and the graduate assistant program.
-
-
Lester (Les) Weiss
-
DegreeM.S.W., Social Work, University of Pittsburgh
-
DegreeB.S.W., Social Work, University of Pittsburgh
Lester (Les) Weiss is a social worker for the Veterans Administration in Bay Pines, Florida, and an instructor for HDFS 411: The Helping Relationship. He provides cognitive behavioral therapies for military veterans who have post-traumatic stress and trains clinicians in the VA system. He has also taught courses in adolescence, aging, and chemical dependency for Penn State World Campus. Prior to the working in the VA system, he was director of social work at UPMC Altoona for many years and served on numerous Blair County boards.
-