Credits required
18
Cost per-credit*
$288.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per Year
Online Human Development and Family Science, Minor
Prepare to support individuals and families across the lifespan
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The College of Education and Human Development’s Human Development and Family Science Minor at the University of Nevada, Reno provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation in individual and family development across the lifespan. This fully online, 18-credit program explores how people grow, relate, and thrive in a wide range of family, cultural and community settings.
With a focus on emotional, cognitive and social growth, the curriculum helps students understand how relationships evolve and how individuals are shaped by the environments in which they live. Whether you are preparing for a career in education, social work, human services or graduate study, this program complements your major while deepening your understanding of human development and family systems.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Why Choose a Human Development and Family Science Minor?
This program offers a strong foundation in developmental theory and applied family science. Courses are designed to be flexible and career-focused, making them accessible for students pursuing majors in psychology, sociology, education, nursing, public health and other human service disciplines. You will gain valuable knowledge in areas such as family dynamics, lifespan development, interpersonal relationships and social advocacy.
Courses are taught by faculty with expertise in human ecology, early childhood development and community education. The minor supports professional goals for students planning to work with children and families in community programs, health organizations or educational environments.
Curriculum Overview
Students complete 18 credit hours: 6 credits of required coursework and 12 credits of electives selected from multiple focus areas. All required courses are based on the University’s General Catalog.
Required Courses (12 credits)
- HDFS 201 – Lifespan Human Development: Examines individual development from infancy through older adulthood, including physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
- HDFS 202 – Introduction to Families: Introduces family structures, relational communication, cultural diversity and the impact of social systems on relationships.
- HDFS 371 – Family Resource Management OR
- HDFS 435A – Child Socialization: A Systems Perspective for HDFS Students OR
- HDFS 436 – Family Interaction
- GERO 431 – A Life Course Perspective on Aging and Society OR
- HDFS 431A – Advanced Human Development: Infancy OR
- HDFS 431B: Advanced Human Development: Childhood OR
- HDFS 431C – Advanced Human Development: Adolescence
Elective Courses (6 credits)
Some of the elective options include:
- HDFS 204 – Child Guidance and Parenting
- HDFS 232 – Diversity in Children
- HDFS 390 – Youth Mentoring
- HDFS 430 – Advanced Studies in Human Sexuality
- HDFS 458 – Families and Public Policy
- HDFS 472 – Contemporary Family Issues
Please refer to the University Course Catalog for complete details.
Tuition and Financial Information
- Tuition per credit: $288.50
- Estimated total tuition (18 credits): $5,193
- Financial aid: Available for degree-seeking students
- Fees: Standard university registration and technology fees apply
- Transfer credits: Up to 6 credits may be approved toward the minor
How to Declare the Minor
To add the Human Development and Family Science Minor:
- Contact your academic advisor to discuss your graduation plan and how the minor fits with your major.
- Submit the declaration of minor form through MyNevada.
The full 18 credit hours must be completed prior to graduation in order to be reflected on your transcript.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Human Development and Family Science Minor pursue careers in child development, family services, education, public health and nonprofit leadership. The knowledge gained in this program applies to a variety of roles that support individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Students are also well positioned for graduate programs in counseling, family studies, social work and related fields.
Examples of career paths include:
- Youth program coordination
- Early childhood education
- Parent education and advocacy
- Community outreach and human services
- Policy and program support in government or nonprofit sectors
Professionals in these areas are in growing demand nationally, and the skills acquired through this program are transferable across many settings.
Invest in a More Compassionate and Informed Career
The Human Development and Family Science Minor equips students with the tools to understand and support individuals and families in a wide range of personal and professional contexts. Whether your future involves education, service or leadership, this program prepares you to foster growth, resilience and meaningful relationships. Ready to take the next step?
Why Choose Nevada Online For Your Human Development and Family Science Minor?
Nevada Online offers a fully online, flexible and career-focused 18-credit Human Development and Family Science Minor. Learn from expert faculty about lifespan development and enhance your understanding of human and family systems for careers in education, social work and human services.
Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule