Online Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development
Human development and family studies prepares you to provide key human services for the people who need them most. Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in family and human development program equips you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to promote healthy human development and family relationships.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/19/2025
Total classes: 41
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare for a career in human development and family studies
Human development and family studies focus on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals and families across the life span. In this program, you’ll explore the historical, theoretical and academic frameworks used to explain:
- Cultural diversity.
- Family behavior.
- Family relationships.
- Human development.
- Marriage.
You’ll also examine societal issues individuals face within the context of family. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to address these issues and implement solutions that improve child development and family relationships in both the private and public sectors.
Get on the fast track to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
This program is designated as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)-approved program by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). This designation allows graduates who complete the required coursework to fast track their applications to become certified family life educators (CFLE) without taking the CFLE exam. If you’re interested in this credential, meet with an academic advisor to confirm if you’re a candidate for the fast-track program and to ensure you choose the correct courses.
The skills you’ll develop in this program
Courses in this program provide you with a deep understanding of human behavior, family relationships and human development. As you progress through these courses, you’ll also gain transferable skills, including:
Certified Child Life Specialist designation
Although the Certified Child Life Specialist designation cannot be earned at Arizona State University, students can take a series of classes, outlined by their academic advisor to help them complete the required coursework portion of the CCLS certification. Final determination on the eligibility of coursework is up to the Child Life Organization. This degree program doesn't offer the 600-hour internship requirement to be eligible to sit for the CCLS exam. Visit childlife.org to learn more about the eligibility requirements for certification.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Family and human development courses
Courses in this program explore concepts ranging from personal growth in human relationships to infant and toddler development. Coursework will help you gain knowledge in human development and family dynamics while acquiring related skills in writing, diversity awareness, interpersonal communication and statistics. With a wide range of electives to choose from, you can customize your educational journey to align with your personal and professional goals.
Human development and family studies jobs
Upon graduation, you can seek out a variety of positions focused on serving the needs of children and families in education, government agencies, nonprofit organizations or business.
You can also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree post-graduation if you’re interested in senior positions in human services. An advanced degree in marriage and family therapy or psychology could lead to careers as a therapist or counselor while a master’s degree in education could qualify you for teaching positions. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Advocate
Government Programs Specialist
Guidance Counselor
Human Behavior Researcher
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Mental Health Counselor
Preschool Teacher
Social Services Director
Faculty who encourage excellence in family and human development
As a part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Social and Family Dynamics is home to prestigious faculty members who excel in research and teaching. Highlights include:
- Centennial Professor.
- Dean’s Excellence in Teaching.
- MacArthur Fellow.
- Most Inspirational Professor.
- National Council on Family Relations Fellow.
- Outstanding Lecturer.
- Outstanding Faculty Mentor.
- Professor of the Year.
- William T. Grant Foundation Scholars.
Faculty who encourage excellence in family and human development
As a part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Social and Family Dynamics is home to prestigious faculty members who excel in research and teaching. Highlights include:
- Centennial Professor.
- Dean’s Excellence in Teaching.
- MacArthur Fellow.
- Most Inspirational Professor.
- National Council on Family Relations Fellow.
- Outstanding Lecturer.
- Outstanding Faculty Mentor.
- Professor of the Year.
- William T. Grant Foundation Scholars.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
31,572
students enrolled as of fall 2024
$161 million
in research expenditures in FY23
21
interdisciplinary schools and departments
100+
undergraduate degrees
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
