The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) major at Illinois State is designed to prepare students to provide educational, preventive, and intervention services that promote personal, family, and community well-being. Students learn the skills needed to assist people of all ages in achieving their individual and family goals. The program adopts a systems approach through its Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) approved coursework, which positions graduates for certification and careers in diverse areas related to family and human development.
Why this course is highly recommended
Choosing this program is ideal for students interested in helping people improve their lives through education and intervention. The program’s focus on certification, like the CFLE, offers students a pathway to quicker certification, saving time and money. Graduates can pursue careers in social services, child care, crisis intervention, and related fields, or further studies in family science, therapy, counseling, social work, and child life.
While the program broadly covers human development and family sciences, its key focus areas include family life and parent education, social services, camp and residential care, childcare, and crisis intervention. The curriculum emphasizes preparing students to serve individuals across different stages of life using a systems approach.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
23.46L
Living cost
The specifics of the degree requirements are available in the course catalog and sample plans of study, providing a structured pathway for students to meet graduation criteria.

English language test
Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria,
and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the Illinois State University admission page
for complete details.
Graduates of the HDFS program can explore careers in family and community services, child and youth programs, residential and camp care, crisis intervention, or continue their education in related fields like therapy, social work, or child life.