Program Details
Human Development and Family Science Major - BS
Bachelor of ScienceBridgewater College
The Department of Health and Human Sciences teams experienced faculty, challenging coursework and relevant experiential learning to prepare students for the needs of today's employers and graduate schools. Students within this department will have rich opportunities that foster innovation, creativity and risk-taking while being challenged to explore scientific foundations and practical applications within each discipline. Whether a student prefers to enter the job force or move on to graduate school after their bachelor's degree is complete, the Department of Health and Human Sciences has programs that enhance success in the varied fast-paced and ever-changing disciplines of athletic training, human development and family science, health and exercise science, health and physical education, nutrition and coaching. The dynamic curricula empower students to address issues affecting individuals, families and communities. Graduates of our programs have demonstrated success in professions such as childhood, adolescent and adult education, state cooperative extension programs, school administration, law enforcement, pharmaceutical sales, medicine, chiropractic, nutrition and dietetics, nursing, physician assistant, paramedic, prosthetics, athletic training, massage therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, coaching, recreation, fitness, and varied human services careers. In addition to departmental major, minor and concentration course offerings, students across the campus are invited to explore interests in physical activity and wellness. Instruction in activities that develop new physical skills are designed to translate into lifetime activity and healthy living.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Human Development and Family Science major is a program that includes courses in human development across the life-span, parenting, family law, and family resource management. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | All courses must be completed with a C of better. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The HDFS program prepares students for careers in social services, retirement centers, non-profits serving families, and counseling. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Students in the program regularly work with professors on research projects and gain hands-on experience in the child development laboratory on campus, as well as the food science lab. |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Bridgewater College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completing an AA, AS, or AA&S degree will waive all but 4 credits of our Foundations in Liberal Arts Program. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (2-4 total credit hours). These are our Connected Learning (CL) 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and CL 400 that serves as a senior capstone experience. CL 400 may be delivered within the major (3 credits) or separately (1 credit). |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The completion of an Associate Degree concurrent with high school results in course work towards your degree and most general education courses satisfied. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (2-4 credit hours). These are our Connected Learning (CL) 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and CL 400 that serves as a senior capstone experience. CL 400 may be delivered within the major (3 credits) or separately (1 credit). |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Bridgewater College may award credit for Advanced Placement and military experience. See the linked pages for credit evaluation policies. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | You'll be part of a vibrant community where people truly know and care for one another. Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,500 full-time students (undergraduate and graduate), 80% of whom live on campus. With an average class size of 19, you'll make lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You won't lack for opportunities to get involved with more than 50 student clubs and organizations to choose from. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | VCCS Students need to declare an intent to transfer to Bridgewater after completing a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer-oriented associate degree. VCCS Students should complete all Bridgewater transfer application requirements, and apply for graduation from VCCS. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1192.00 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-9021.00 | Farm and Home Management Educators | Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2023.00 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School | Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2032.00 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-1081.00 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2022.00 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete