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.
Bernard Grant, Ph.D.
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Updated October 30, 2024
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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.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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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:

BestColleges Top-Ranked-2024 Badge
  • 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.

#1

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,582

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,937

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

17,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,582

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,582

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,937

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

17,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#2

California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

13,673

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Hayward, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

73%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

13,673

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#3

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online

$10,425

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,242

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

34,292

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,425

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,200

Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,425

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,200

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,242

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

34,292

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#4

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$7,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,281

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,444

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,090

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

7,234

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,281

Menomonie, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,281

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,444

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,090

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

7,234

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#5

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,460

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

39,622

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,400

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,400

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,460

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

39,622

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#6

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM4 yearCampus + Online

$6,728

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,055

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,023

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

14,779

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,728

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,055

Las Cruces, NM4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,728

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,055

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

70%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,023

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

14,779

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#7

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$15,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,084

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

92%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,189

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,248

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

88,914

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,084

University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,084

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,189

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,248

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

88,914

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#8

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,180

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,968

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,738

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,526

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

8,847

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,180

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,968

Natchitoches, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,180

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,968

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

89%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,738

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,526

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

8,847

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

#9

Utah State University

Logan, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$7,387

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$23,305

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,763

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,176

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

28,063

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,387

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,305

Logan, UT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,387

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,305

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,763

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,176

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

28,063

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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.

Career Outlook for an Associate Degree in Accounting
Job TitleMedian Salary (2023)Projected Job Growth 2023-2032
Social Worker$58,3807%
Family Counselor$58,51016%
Early Childhood Educator$37,1304%
Occupational Therapist$96,37011%
Social and Community Service Manager$77,0308%
Rehabilitation Counselor$44,0402%
Source: BLS

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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