Overview of Undergraduate Degree Programs

Human Development and Family Studies undergraduates have had placement rates between 85-95% post graduation in the past three years!


undegradHuman Development and Family Studies offers degree programs in Child Development (BA) and Human Development and Family Studies (BS or BA). 

Child Development

This degree program has been approved by the State of Michigan Department of Education and allows students to choose a concentration in: 

  • Elementary Education Teacher Certification (application required to the MSU College of Education Teacher Preparation Program) or 
  • Preschool Teaching in an Early Childhood Setting 

All students will gain practical experience working with children in the MSU Child Development Laboratories (CDL's) which are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

Human Development and Family Studies

The Human Development and Family Studies BA and BS degrees are approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), and allows students to become Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE).  The degree prepares graduates to work in human service agencies serving children, youth and adults responding to the needs of an increasingly diverse society. The HDFS field is any organized effort to provide family members with information, skills, experiences, or resources intended to strengthen, improve or enrich their family experience. 

Early Care and Education

The Early Care and Education BA online degree is a limited enrollment major only available to transfer students or second degree/additional major non-traditional students.  Applicants must be able to pass a background check and be currently employed in a preschool or Head Start facility.  More information is at: /graduate/great-plains-idea-online-degrees-and-certificates