Best Human Development and Family Studies Online Degree Programs
Have a passion for helping and a curiosity about human development across the lifespan? Explore the best human development and family studies online degree programs.
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At This Site, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
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In an online bachelor’s in human development and family studies program, you’ll learn about the differences between how humans function within their family systems and their wider social environments.
The program will teach you the fundamentals of social services, family dynamics, and child development.
Choosing an online program can help you complete your degree with flexibility while working or balancing other obligations. Check out our ranking of the best programs to help start your search.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
UNCG's bachelor's in human development and family studies program requires synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Participants choose one of two online tracks: early care and education or birth through kindergarten teacher licensure. The latter track qualifies graduates to apply for an initial North Carolina teaching license; 45 states accept this license.
Online degree-seekers can take advantage of Handshake job search software, resume guides, and career coaches. Specialized resources for alumni include online access to noncredit courses that teach in-demand skills.
UNCG accepts the Common Application, and prospective first-year students can submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay 2-4 times the in-state tuition rate. Online learners may qualify for federal grant or private scholarship opportunities.
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
$4,422
$19,582
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
UNCG's bachelor's in human development and family studies program requires synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Participants choose one of two online tracks: early care and education or birth through kindergarten teacher licensure. The latter track qualifies graduates to apply for an initial North Carolina teaching license; 45 states accept this license.
Online degree-seekers can take advantage of Handshake job search software, resume guides, and career coaches. Specialized resources for alumni include online access to noncredit courses that teach in-demand skills.
UNCG accepts the Common Application, and prospective first-year students can submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay 2-4 times the in-state tuition rate. Online learners may qualify for federal grant or private scholarship opportunities.
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
96%
73%
Cal State East Bay's online bachelor's in human development program serves as a degree completion pathway. This online program features three concentrations: adult development and gerontology, early childhood development, and women's development. Also, students can enhance their educational experience by earning a certificate in early childhood development.
Online learners can review interviewing best practices and take one or more career assessments. These and other valuable resources help approximately 70% of alumni find a job within one year of graduation.
Prospective students apply through Cal State Apply, and application materials include undergraduate transcripts. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay approximately double the in-state tuition rate. Learners can apply for institutional financial aid by submitting the Pioneer Scholarships Application before January 31.
$7,176
$16,680
75%
13,673
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Hayward, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
96%
73%
$7,176
$16,680
75%
13,673
Public
Yes
Cal State East Bay's online bachelor's in human development program serves as a degree completion pathway. This online program features three concentrations: adult development and gerontology, early childhood development, and women's development. Also, students can enhance their educational experience by earning a certificate in early childhood development.
Online learners can review interviewing best practices and take one or more career assessments. These and other valuable resources help approximately 70% of alumni find a job within one year of graduation.
Prospective students apply through Cal State Apply, and application materials include undergraduate transcripts. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay approximately double the in-state tuition rate. Learners can apply for institutional financial aid by submitting the Pioneer Scholarships Application before January 31.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$10,425
$31,200
83%
56%
OSU's bachelor's in human development and family sciences program is available online. The 180-quarter-credit curriculum features coursework that covers topics like families in poverty, family studies, and human sexuality. Students can modify the program by completing a minor in another field. Additionally, this program holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health.
The school's career center features multiple online tools, including Handshake, Focus 2 Career, and GoinGlobal — an online job board with overseas opportunities. Students can also access an extensive virtual resource library.
OSU admits new learners at four points throughout the year and accepts applications from students who possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The university does not charge out-of-state tuition rates to online degree-seekers. Students interested in institutional scholarships should apply before the February 1 deadline.
$13,446
$28,242
87%
34,292
Public
Yes
$10,425
$31,200
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$10,425
$31,200
83%
56%
$13,446
$28,242
87%
34,292
Public
Yes
OSU's bachelor's in human development and family sciences program is available online. The 180-quarter-credit curriculum features coursework that covers topics like families in poverty, family studies, and human sexuality. Students can modify the program by completing a minor in another field. Additionally, this program holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health.
The school's career center features multiple online tools, including Handshake, Focus 2 Career, and GoinGlobal — an online job board with overseas opportunities. Students can also access an extensive virtual resource library.
OSU admits new learners at four points throughout the year and accepts applications from students who possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The university does not charge out-of-state tuition rates to online degree-seekers. Students interested in institutional scholarships should apply before the February 1 deadline.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$7,014
$15,281
86%
56%
UW-Stout's online bachelor's in human development and family studies requires 56 credits of core courses, including lifespan sexuality, family policy, and abnormal psychology. Degree-seekers can also complete all general education courses entirely online. Additionally, the curriculum provides students with the flexibility to select a minor or concentration.
Nearly 100% of recent human and family development alumni have found a job or started another academic program. UW-Stout achieves this impressive statistic by providing one-on-one advising appointments, a job-shadowing program, and professional development workshops.
UW-Stout accepts the Common Application. First-year applicants also submit standardized test scores. Most out-of-state students pay double the in-state tuition rate, and approximately 80% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.
$7,444
$16,090
72%
7,234
Public
Yes
$7,014
$15,281
Menomonie, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$7,014
$15,281
86%
56%
$7,444
$16,090
72%
7,234
Public
Yes
UW-Stout's online bachelor's in human development and family studies requires 56 credits of core courses, including lifespan sexuality, family policy, and abnormal psychology. Degree-seekers can also complete all general education courses entirely online. Additionally, the curriculum provides students with the flexibility to select a minor or concentration.
Nearly 100% of recent human and family development alumni have found a job or started another academic program. UW-Stout achieves this impressive statistic by providing one-on-one advising appointments, a job-shadowing program, and professional development workshops.
UW-Stout accepts the Common Application. First-year applicants also submit standardized test scores. Most out-of-state students pay double the in-state tuition rate, and approximately 80% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$32,400
76%
42%
Prospective learners who work at a Head Start agency can increase their career and salary potential by enrolling in UA's bachelorof science in human environmental sciences, human development, and family studies for child development practitioners program. Degree-seekers can complete the program's 120-credit curriculum entirely online. Additionally, the program features an optional early child development concentration.
In addition to Interview Stream and Candid Career software, the school's career center offers online degree-seekers micro-internships, which are 5-40-hour experiences that take place remotely. These and additional resources have helped 90% of alumni attain a fulfilling career or enter a graduate program.
UA accepts applications throughout the year and does not charge online learners out-of-state tuition rates. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Online degree-seekers may qualify for federal and/or state financial aid.
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
$11,100
$32,400
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$32,400
76%
42%
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
Prospective learners who work at a Head Start agency can increase their career and salary potential by enrolling in UA's bachelorof science in human environmental sciences, human development, and family studies for child development practitioners program. Degree-seekers can complete the program's 120-credit curriculum entirely online. Additionally, the program features an optional early child development concentration.
In addition to Interview Stream and Candid Career software, the school's career center offers online degree-seekers micro-internships, which are 5-40-hour experiences that take place remotely. These and additional resources have helped 90% of alumni attain a fulfilling career or enter a graduate program.
UA accepts applications throughout the year and does not charge online learners out-of-state tuition rates. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Online degree-seekers may qualify for federal and/or state financial aid.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM4 yearCampus + Online
$6,728
$25,055
76%
70%
NMSU's bachelor's in family and child science program helps students hone communication, conflict resolution, and child guidance skills. Outside of class, degree-seekers can complete professional development courses through the National Council on Family Relations.
Career services professionals connect students and alumni with job-hunting resources, including Handshake, LinkedIn, and Career Beam. Learners can also access an in-depth guide on how to engage with potential employers through an online profile.
NMSU uses a GPA cutoff for high school graduates and transfer students. Individuals who have a GED certificate can also apply. Out-of-state learners pay approximately three times more in tuition than in-district residents. Active-duty service members receive an automatic 40% tuition discount.
$5,184
$18,023
75%
14,779
Public
Yes
$6,728
$25,055
Las Cruces, NM4 yearCampus + Online
$6,728
$25,055
76%
70%
$5,184
$18,023
75%
14,779
Public
Yes
NMSU's bachelor's in family and child science program helps students hone communication, conflict resolution, and child guidance skills. Outside of class, degree-seekers can complete professional development courses through the National Council on Family Relations.
Career services professionals connect students and alumni with job-hunting resources, including Handshake, LinkedIn, and Career Beam. Learners can also access an in-depth guide on how to engage with potential employers through an online profile.
NMSU uses a GPA cutoff for high school graduates and transfer students. Individuals who have a GED certificate can also apply. Out-of-state learners pay approximately three times more in tuition than in-district residents. Active-duty service members receive an automatic 40% tuition discount.
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,400
$25,084
92%
54%
Penn State's World Campus offers many online degrees, including a bachelor's in human development and family studies. This program features coursework in areas like family development, helping relationships, and resolving human development problems. Graduation requirements include a one-semester internship in a human services setting, and students use this experience to write an extended research paper. Virtual career services include counseling sessions, mock interviews, and online career fairs.
High school graduates and individuals with a GED certificate can apply. Although out-of-state learners do not pay a higher tuition rate, some courses cost more per-credit than others. Financial aid resources for online degree-seekers include federal grant and loan programs.
$23,189
$39,248
87%
88,914
Public
Yes
$15,400
$25,084
University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,400
$25,084
92%
54%
$23,189
$39,248
87%
88,914
Public
Yes
Penn State's World Campus offers many online degrees, including a bachelor's in human development and family studies. This program features coursework in areas like family development, helping relationships, and resolving human development problems. Graduation requirements include a one-semester internship in a human services setting, and students use this experience to write an extended research paper. Virtual career services include counseling sessions, mock interviews, and online career fairs.
High school graduates and individuals with a GED certificate can apply. Although out-of-state learners do not pay a higher tuition rate, some courses cost more per-credit than others. Financial aid resources for online degree-seekers include federal grant and loan programs.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,180
$15,968
94%
89%
Degree-seekers who want to work with children should consider enrolling in NSU's bachelor's in child and family studies program, which offers two concentration options. The child development and family relations concentration emphasizes adolescent development, families and consumers, and child nutrition. Participants may also opt for a consumer services concentration. Students can further personalize the program by completing a minor.
NSU's career center provides students and alumni with numerous services, including mock interviews, resume reviews, and career advisors. Other resources include a guide that prepares readers for graduate school admission success.
Prospective first-year students should submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Other application materials include standardized test scores and FAFSA results. Out-of-state learners do not pay a higher tuition rate, and active-duty service members receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.
$5,738
$16,526
70%
8,847
Public
Yes
$5,180
$15,968
Natchitoches, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,180
$15,968
94%
89%
$5,738
$16,526
70%
8,847
Public
Yes
Degree-seekers who want to work with children should consider enrolling in NSU's bachelor's in child and family studies program, which offers two concentration options. The child development and family relations concentration emphasizes adolescent development, families and consumers, and child nutrition. Participants may also opt for a consumer services concentration. Students can further personalize the program by completing a minor.
NSU's career center provides students and alumni with numerous services, including mock interviews, resume reviews, and career advisors. Other resources include a guide that prepares readers for graduate school admission success.
Prospective first-year students should submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Other application materials include standardized test scores and FAFSA results. Out-of-state learners do not pay a higher tuition rate, and active-duty service members receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.
Utah State University
Logan, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$7,387
$23,305
94%
57%
USU's online bachelor's degree in family life studies offers two concentrations: family relations and human development. In class, degree-seekers study research methods, human sexuality, and family finance. Additionally, the program features multiple capstone options.
Online learners can network with peers and potential employers by joining one of five clubs that relate to human and family development. Students can also speak with an advisor, take a career assessment, and use Handshake software to explore the latest job postings.
The human and family development program accepts first-year and transfer students. Transfer credit must have been earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate, and institutional scholarships require a separate application.
$6,763
$23,176
74%
28,063
Public
Yes
$7,387
$23,305
Logan, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$7,387
$23,305
94%
57%
$6,763
$23,176
74%
28,063
Public
Yes
USU's online bachelor's degree in family life studies offers two concentrations: family relations and human development. In class, degree-seekers study research methods, human sexuality, and family finance. Additionally, the program features multiple capstone options.
Online learners can network with peers and potential employers by joining one of five clubs that relate to human and family development. Students can also speak with an advisor, take a career assessment, and use Handshake software to explore the latest job postings.
The human and family development program accepts first-year and transfer students. Transfer credit must have been earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate, and institutional scholarships require a separate application.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Degree?
Graduates of human development and family studies degrees often work in mental health agencies and community service centers for youth and families.
Ultimately, the degree prepares you for careers in counseling, education, and social services, where you can help people and their families at every stage of life.
Job Title | Median Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth 2023-2032 |
---|---|---|
Social Worker | $58,380 | 7% |
Family Counselor | $58,510 | 16% |
Early Childhood Educator | $37,130 | 4% |
Occupational Therapist | $96,370 | 11% |
Social and Community Service Manager | $77,030 | 8% |
Rehabilitation Counselor | $44,040 | 2% |
What to Expect in a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies Program
Before you apply for a human development and family studies program, it’s helpful to gain some insight into what these programs are like. Keep reading to learn about common courses, tuition costs, format, and the specializations you can choose from your program.
Common Courses
Popular coursework you may see in an online human development and family studies program includes:
- Human Development Across the Lifespan: You’ll learn how humans develop in a variety of cultures from birth to death. The course will also teach you how relationships and social environments influence cognitive development.
- Development of School-Age Children: This course focuses on how families, ethnicity, culture, and school environments influence the physical and cognitive development of children from ages 5 to 12.
- Family Diversity: You’ll study the variations within families by contrasting the differences and similarities regarding ethnicity, culture, class, family structure, gender, and sexual orientation.
- Current Family Theory and Research: This seminar explores current problems in family studies with an emphasis on theoretical concepts and research literature.
- Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood: You’ll analyze how policies influence early childhood programs, childhood professionals, and families with children.
Tuition Cost
The average cost of a college degree in the 2021-2022 academic year was $15,200 at public institutions and $29,700 at private institutions, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports.
Tuition costs differ between schools. For example, Penn State World Campus charges $632 to $678 per credit or $7,678 to $8,288 per semester for their online human development and family studies program.
In Colorada State University’s online human development and family studies bachelor’s degree program, tuition is $476 per credit.
Online Format
In an online program, you’ll tune into lectures, participate in discussions, and submit all your coursework online. Some programs allow you to choose an asynchronous format — allowing you to complete your work on your own schedule.
Online degree programs provide a unique level of flexibility. With an online human development program, many students can choose to work or tend to other obligations while studying.
Concentrations
Some concentrations you may find in your online human development and family studies bachelor’s degree program include early childhood professions, pre-health professions, prevention and intervention science, human development and family studies, and leadership and advocacy.
Pediatric healthcare community settings, aging and gerontology studies, family and community services, and child life specialist clinical are also popular options for a concentration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest paying jobs for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in human and family development studies includes occupational therapists, who earn $96,370 annually, and community service managers, who earn $77,030 each year.
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