University of North Texas 
Community and Family Services
Human development and family science students acquire a broad knowledge of human development,
family development, and family systems in preparation for working with people and communities in a variety
of career fields ranging from local organizations, to non-profit, to government agencies.
A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Education requirements.
Major requirements
Educational psychology core, 42 hours
It is recommended that students enroll in HDFS 1013, HDFS 1023, HDFS 2013, and HDFS 2042 during their first year in the program.
- EPSY 3013 - Reading and Understanding Research
- HDFS 1013 - Human Development
- HDFS 1023 - Assessment and Observation
- HDFS 2013 - Introduction to Human Development and Family Science Theories
- HDFS 2033 - Parenting in Diverse Families
- HDFS 2042 - Professional Development in Human Development and Family Science
- HDFS 3113 - Infant and Child Development
- HDFS 3153 - The Impact of Culture on Individuals and Families
- HDFS 3313 - Interpersonal Relationships
- HDFS 3423 - Family, School and Community
- HDFS 3533 - Families in Crisis
- HDFS 4011 - Pre-Internship
- HDFS 4023 - Internship
- HDFS 4133 - Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
- HDFS 4323 - Family Law and Public Policy
Concentrations
Students must also complete course requirements for a concentration, chosen with the advice of a faculty member within the program area. Concentrations are available in Community and Family Services or Individual and Family Development across the Lifespan .
Community and Family Services, 21 hours
Required courses
- HDFS 3213 - Infant and Toddler Intervention and Education
- HDFS 4253 - Administration of Programs for Children, Youth and Families
- HDFS 4413 - Family Life Education
- PADM 3010 - Foundations of Philanthropy and Nonprofits
- SOWK 4700 - Child Welfare Practice and Services
-
TWO upper-level electives from the following departments/programs: AGER, ANTH, ASLP, COUN, EDSP, HDFS, HSML, PADM, PSYC, RHAB, SOCI, SOWK, WGST.
Electives
To complete the minimum of 120 hours for the degree.
Other requirements
- A minimum grade of C is required in each course in the major; a minimum GPA of 2.50 in the major, 2.0 GPA in UNT courses and 2.0 overall GPA is required for graduation (overall GPA includes all course work transferred in addition to those taken at UNT).
- Students who are interested in research and preparing for graduate studies are advised to take a research practicum and complete a senior thesis. Any student who is interested in research should meet with a faculty advisor early in the program to plan an appropriate minor and electives and to seek approval for choosing a senior thesis.
- Students majoring in Human Development and Family Science must contact the Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105, to prepare their degree audits.
Internship Information
Include one 3-hour unpaid internship course (HDFS 4023) related to the student’s selected emphasis area (see below). Students must complete a minimum of 150 clock hours to meet this requirement. Some students may be required to complete a second internship. Students should have senior status and have completed HDFS 4011 before beginning the internship. Liability insurance is required for all internship students. Permission to enroll in an internship and approval of the internship site are required. Students must have completed the following courses to be eligible for enrollment in internships related to:
Infants or toddlers
Teaching young children (2 years–8 years)
School-age care and programming
Adolescents
Administration and/or parent/family life education
- HDFS 4253 - Administration of Programs for Children, Youth and Families
- HDFS 4413 - Family Life Education
Child life
Estimate tuition and fees by using the Tuition Calculators. For more information about tuition plan options, fees, and tuition, see Student Financial Services.
Financial Aid
UNT offers a variety of options to help finance your education. Visit financialaid.unt.edu to find out more about the application and award process.
UNT has been named one of America's 100 Best College Buys© for 25 consecutive years and offers the quality of a private university at an affordable cost.
Applying for financial aid
- Apply for financial aid online at fafsa.gov. The application is required for all types of financial aid, including Pell and other federal grants, state grants and loans. The FAFSA and Renewal FAFSA are available annually.
- You must enroll in 6 hours (over one or two online sessions) in order to be eligible for financial aid.
- Financial aid awards will be disbursed 10 days prior to the first day of class. Awards will not disburse if you are enrolled in only 3 credit hours.
- Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at 940-565-2302 or by visiting online at financialaid.unt.edu