Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University
International students can study the Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the Columbus campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science
Human Development and Family Science
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Education and Human Ecology
The human development and family science major is a great choice for a "people person." As the only major at Ohio State with a primary concentration on families and human development, you'll get broad knowledge of how children, adults and families develop, alongside undergraduate research opportunities and personalized attention from faculty.
This program prepares you for a professional career or further education. Our professional specializations give you the opportunity to create a degree program that meets your interests and professional goals. And if our pre-designed specializations don't meet your goals, you can customize your own.
Understanding how children and families develop is a valuable asset in many careers, from teaching children to working in social service settings with children and families to working with older adults.
Curriculum
Students in human development and family science complete course work in life span human development, family development, child development, middle childhood and adolescent development, advanced family development, sexuality across the life span, advanced writing, statistics, and professional development.
Areas of professional specialization:
- Family/Community Human Services
- Aging Studies
- Adolescent and At-Risk Youth
- Intimacy/Sexuality Studies
- Social Policy and Population Studies
- Pre-medicine
- Integrated Studies
Family studies requires course work in human service organizations, developing helping skills, children and families under stress, and parenting. Students then select additional course work from the department or related areas such as sociology, psychology, education, social work, family resource management, women’s studies or health education along with the option to participate in supervised practice in a community agency (field work). Students are therefore able to create a unique program that reflects their career goals or plans for graduate study.
Study abroad
The Global Option in Education and Human Ecology is an option for students in good academic standing on any Ohio State campus. In this program, students develop their ability to communicate with and work alongside individuals from other cultures through education abroad programs and globally themed course work.
Internship
Students have the option to participate in various field work experiences in the areas of early and middle childhood education, child care and pre-kindergarten programs, and family and community services.
Honors and Scholars
The College of Education and Human Ecology Honors Program offers students rigorous course work and opportunities to work closely with faculty to design and complete a research project. Students in this program also have access to smaller classes, priority scheduling and unique housing opportunities.
Student organizations
The Human Development and Family Services Club enhances effective communication and collaboration between undergraduate students faculty through mentoring and advising. It helps new students acclimate to the major or minor, department, and the College of Education and Human Ecology. The club addresses academic concerns, promotes mutual support, and provides social and academic opportunities.
The Student Association for Family, Child and Lifespan Development is geared towards students with an interest in human development and family science. Additionally, students can be involved with the Ohio Student Education Association, Kappa Phi Kappa (a co-ed education fraternity) and over 50 community service organizations.
Possible careers
Getting a degree in human development and family science prepares you for a variety of professions in human services, student affairs, or law enforcement and corrections. Examples include program or outreach coordinator, caseworker, probation or parole officer, admissions counselor or academic advisor, social service manager, and researcher.
The degree also sets you in competitive standing for a number of graduate and pre-professional programs including teaching, medicine or allied health.
Salary estimates
On average, the starting salary for a human development and family science graduate ranges from $20,000 to $43,000, depending on the student's career field.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus