The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program prepares Carolina undergraduates to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through careers in human services, as well as a range of graduate programs. The major consists of 48 credit hours, including 36 hours in the core and 12 hours of electives/concentration coursework. To receive course credit, students must earn a C or better in all major courses.
The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program explores how children, families, and communities develop and thrive across the lifespan. Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands‑on internships, students gain practical experience and prepare for careers in human services, health services, nonprofit sector or graduate study focused on social and human services, education, allied health, law and related fields.
The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program is best suited for undergraduate students interested in human services careers and graduate study focused on allied health, education, nonprofit, and human/social services.
Yes. The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program provides a strong academic foundation for students planning to pursue graduate or professional study. Many HDFS alumni have gone on to pursue graduate school and advanced degrees in fields that deepen their impact, such as education and teaching, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, law, higher education and student affairs, medicine and dentistry, marriage and family therapy, school psychology, public health, and more!
No. HDFS does not lead to teacher licensure in North Carolina. Students interested in earning a teaching license, should consider one of the School of Education’s licensure‑leading programs, such as:
- B.A.Ed. Elementary Education (K-6, Special Education, and Multilingual Learners)
- Pre‑MAT pathway (for students planning to pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching)
- UNC‑BEST Minor (for 6-12 secondary STEM teaching)
Yes. Many students in the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program choose to pursue a second major or a minor alongside HDFS. The program’s interdisciplinary focus and flexible coursework make it possible to explore additional academic interests. Students who are interested in having a double major or minor should schedule a meeting with a School of Education advisor as soon as possible to discuss overlaps and overall course planning.
There are some majors that our team has identified that we will allow overlaps to occur. Please schedule time with a School of Education advisor to discuss approved substitutions.
Some Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) courses may count toward General Education requirements, depending on the course and the University’s official General Education designations. Because HDFS is an interdisciplinary major drawing from education, psychology, sociology, and related fields, several courses offered through the program appear on UNC’s approved General Education course list.
No, choosing a concentration is optional. Students may either choose a concentration in Family Life Education or Child and Family Health. If a student opts not to choose one, students must complete four electives for our approved list of coursework.
Yes. All HDFS students complete a semester‑long internship as their culminating capstone experience in the program. This internship provides valuable, real‑life experience in a professional setting aligned with each student’s career interests. Every placement must be approved by the HDFS internship coordinator to ensure it offers meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. Alongside of the internship hours, students will attend a weekly capstone course. Students must take EDUC 583 immediately before EDUC 698. The internship semester is offered in the fall, spring and summer terms.
Yes. Students majoring in Human Development and Family Studies are eligible to participate in the School of Education’s Honors Program. This opportunity allows highly motivated students to engage in advanced research coursework and complete an original senior honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Applications for this program are open annually in the spring. Students should plan to apply when they are a junior. Please review our honors program website for program requirements and expectations.
HDFS majors can qualify for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) pathway by completing the set of National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)–approved courses that cover the 10 Family Life Education content areas. To be eligible, you’ll need to earn a C or better in each approved course. After graduation, you can apply to NCFR for CFLE‑Provisional Certification. We encourage you to check in for most recent updates with the national organization. The CFLE certification is separate from the Family Life Education (FLE) concentration within the major.
It is best to plan at least 4 semesters to complete the HDFS program. If you are joining our program later in your time at Carolina, we encourage you to schedule time with an advisor in the school.
The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program welcomes current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates and transfer students who meet GPA requirements and are ready to declare a major. The program admits students for fall and spring entry. First-year students with no dual enrollment experience (incoming transfer credit), must establish a UNC GPA before being eligible to apply. Transfer students are eligible to apply as early as their first term at Carolina.
Current students can apply to the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program at any time by submitting a change of major request via ConnectCarolina. Submitting this request will send the application for the major to your inbox.
Students apply to the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program by first requesting a change of major in ConnectCarolina. After submitting the major‑change request, you will receive an automated email from Carolina’s application system with a link to the online application (Please note that it may take 24–72 hours to receive the application email after initiating the change‑of‑major request).
All materials, including your personal essay and resume, are submitted electronically through this system. Once your application is complete, it is reviewed, and admitted students can officially declare the major by accepting their offer in ConnectCarolina.
Yes. Transfer students are welcome to apply to the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program as junior transfers. Students transferring to UNC–Chapel Hill may apply as a direct admit during their UNC application. Additionally, transfer students are eligible to apply during their first semester of enrollment at UNC.
Yes. Many students in the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program choose to study abroad while in the program. You are encouraged to speak with a School of Education advisor early in your time in the program to discuss course planning options and study abroad timing.
Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are set by the University and assessed each semester. For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, please visit the University Cashier website. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. Support may include scholarships, loans, grants, federal work-study, and campus employment through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, along with School of Education Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards.
Note: To be considered for all scholarship financial aid opportunities offered through the UNC School of Education and the University, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the designated deadline.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu, attend an upcoming virtual information session, or schedule an appointment with an undergraduate advisor.