Major in Human Development and Family Relations (Bachelor’s)
Empower families and individuals through community, education, and government services with CU Denver’s fully online Human Development and Family Relations degree.
CU Denver’s online BS in Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR) prepares students to work with culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals in a variety of settings.
- Train to serve families from a strengths-based perspective in nonprofit organizations, education, and social services.
- Participate in local and international service-learning opportunities, including a study abroad program in Spain.
- Unique program offering bilingual (Spanish/English) courses for students seeking additional linguistic competencies.
- Graduates are eligible to become Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).
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Degree LevelBachelor's -
School & CollegeSchool of Education & Human Development -
Class Type100% Online -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time -
Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
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Program Overview
The online BS in Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR) program is designed for students who want to serve culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals in both the public and private sector. Our alumni continue to law school for child and family law or immigration law, medical school, family therapy, social work, family therapy, school psychology, counseling education, higher education, or other graduate studies. Alumni also go directly into non-profit organizations, government organizations, or private industry.
We view diverse individuals and families through a global, strengths-based lens.
This online program is offered through the School of Education & Human Development at CU Denver. Students who are starting from scratch, without any transfer credits, can complete their degree in four years, or eight semesters, if they take classes full-time. However, we also welcome part-time students who are looking to complete the degree at their own pace. If you are a transfer student, this degree is especially transfer friendly. We make it easy to bring in up to 27 credit hours from another field into this program.
Our students benefit from our proven and tested mentoring system where every student is personally mentored and coached by at least one faculty member during their time with us. We make sure you understand the course material, figure out how to apply it to your professional goals and grow as both a scholar and an individual.
Our courses aren’t just preparatory courses for professional life. They are classes that can change your perspective to an intentional, outward focus, allowing you to develop transferable life skills as a community member and a global citizen.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $464* per credit | $1,456** per credit |
*See Undergraduate Student Tuition and Fees page for undergraduate tuition disclaimer.
**WUE $696/Non-Res $1456. See Undergraduate Student Tuition and Fees page for undergraduate tuition disclaimer.
Example Courses
The BS in HDFR requires approximately 90 major credits and general education requirements for a total of 120 credits. Courses at CU Denver are offered three times a year — fall, spring and summer. Not all courses are available every semester. For most programs, courses last 15 weeks, plus one week for finals. This is a big commitment, but we believe the extra time you spend dedicated to your studies pays off!
The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Relations is an interdisciplinary degree that requires approximately 90 major credits, plus general education requirements, for a total of 120 credits.
Sex, Human Development, and Family Systems (HDFR 2080)
Students will explore human sexuality across life stages through behavioral science and ecology, examining biological, developmental, and cultural factors and their implications.
Black and Latino Children in Families and Schools (HDFR 3020)
Using ecological systems theory, this course examines Black and Latino children within family, school, and community systems, emphasizing cultural contexts.
Family Systems and Social Justice (HDFR 4260)
This course explores families through ecological systems theory, analyzing their experiences of (in)justice in education, community services, and employment.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the Human Development and Family Relations program are uniquely qualified for a variety of career opportunities.
In an increasingly global society, our program prepares individuals to work with diverse people in fields such as healthcare, education, and helping professions, which are areas of employment where you work directly with individuals, families, schools, and communities, potentially in diverse or underserved contexts. Many of our graduates pursue further education by enrolling in law school or master’s programs in areas such as counseling, social work, school counseling, family therapy, school psychology, and student affairs in higher education and other fields.
Because you can apply this degree to so many different careers, the career outlook is very much dependent on your personal goals, interests and passions. The demand for bilingual workers has more than doubled in the past several years, which makes our Spanish concentration an asset to you as a job candidate when your graduate.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student, or an international student.
As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our degree programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.
Timeline
You can approach the BS in Human Development and Family Relations in a few different ways. Full-time students can complete the program in four years, or eight semesters. Transfer students from other accredited institutions can finish in less time, depending on the number of approved credits that you transfer to the University of Colorado Denver.
You can take courses full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule and needs. Choosing your own pace is part of what makes the program flexible. Since the HDFR program is available entirely online, you can complete every requirement online without ever having to come to campus. Of course, online students are welcome to participate in service activities in conjunction with our face-to-face students, as well as travel with our study abroad program.
After graduation, you’ll find that you are qualified and competitive to find work in a relevant field, or you may apply to graduate schools.
Testimonial
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to make a difference in the lives of families and communities? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by calling us at 303-860-5604 or filling out the form above for more information.