If you’re a student seeking a flexible and accessible entry point to a career focusing on healthy development, an online bachelor’s in human and family development may be precisely what you need to succeed. This field offers diverse career paths, making it an excellent choice for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for roles in early childhood education, such as preschool teachers, with a median salary of $37,130. Those with previous work experience might aim for positions as childcare administrators, earning a median salary of $61,320. This degree also provides opportunities in social services, where assistants earn a median salary of $41,410, and community health workers earn a median salary of $48,200. With higher education, roles as social workers offer a median salary of $58,380, and further education can lead to careers in occupational therapy, with a median salary of $96,370.
This degree, usually completed in four years with an average annual tuition of $14,688, can take you to many places in the human and family development field.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Program
Choose your area of study
The versatility of a human and family development degree means that with the right specialization, you can be well-prepared for your future career, whatever path you choose.
Specializations like early childhood development suit those enthusiastic about working with young children, while leadership and advocacy are ideal for those aiming to influence social policies. Prevention and intervention are perfect for those wanting to support at-risk populations and planning for counseling or social work careers. Additionally, this degree can be an excellent fit for those planning further education in pre-health professions, such as occupational or physical therapists.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen a specialization, you can best research schools and programs by considering a few key factors:
- Is the program accredited?
- What’s the program’s format and duration?
- Are there any residency or in-person requirements?
- What support services are available for online students?
- What are the graduation and job placement rates?
Most of this information will be readily available on program websites, but you’ll also benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor and attending a virtual information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you have a shortlist of schools, you can begin preparing for tests and applications in earnest. Start by gathering letters of recommendation and transcripts early, as these can take time to collect. You’ll also want to allow ample time to draft your personal statement or essay responses to make a strong impression on admission committees.
For SAT or ACT scores, consider enrolling in a test prep program to boost your performance. These programs provide structured study guides, practice tests, and individualized feedback to help you earn your most competitive scores.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Revisit your initial research criteria, focusing on the factors most important to you — such as program format, support services, and graduate rates. This is also an ideal time to reassess the cost of attendance and compare it to any financial aid offers, including scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities.
Carefully evaluating these aspects ensures you choose the program that best aligns with your educational goals while staying within budget.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For many students, paying for their degree without incurring debt is a top priority. If you’re in a similar position, start by filing the FAFSA to access federal aid opportunities. You should also apply for institutional and external scholarships and grants to further reduce costs. If you’re seeking part-time work, work-study programs may be an option. Those currently employed should ask their employer about tuition reimbursement.
Federal loans can help bridge any remaining financial gap if additional funds are needed. However, it’s important to limit borrowing to only what you need, as overborrowing can quickly cause debt to accumulate.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in human and family development programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online bachelor’s in human and family development programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Program?
By pursuing an online bachelor’s in human development and family studies (HDFS), you can expect a thorough education on individuals’ and families’ psychological, social, and biological development. As a student, you’ll learn about child development, family dynamics, and social policies affecting families.
Most programs offer entirely online coursework, providing flexibility and the ability to study from anywhere in the world. Some programs include a capstone project, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world issues and improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This degree can be completed in four years, making it a convenient option for those balancing other commitments, such as a full-time job or caretaking.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in human and family development program
- Lifespan Human Development: In this fundamental course, students will explore human development from conception to old age, focusing on physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes. This class provides a foundational understanding of how individuals grow and change within the context of family and society.
- Child Development and Early Learning: Ideal for those wanting to concentrate in early childhood education, this course teaches students about the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth through age eight. Lessons cover best practices in early childhood education and explore strategies for fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
- Family Policy and Advocacy: This upper-level course focuses on the development, implementation, and impact of policies affecting families. Participants will learn how to advocate for family-friendly policies and explore the role of leaders in promoting social change.
- Prevention and Intervention Strategies: Centered around future social services providers, this course covers evidence-based strategies for preventing and addressing social and behavioral issues within families and communities. Learners will develop skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating intervention programs to support at-risk populations.
Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in human and family development degree program?
While some programs may have specific requirements, many online bachelor’s in human and family development degree programs share similar criteria:
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts from previous schools
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores, if required
Many of these programs offer relatively straightforward application processes, but it’s essential to reach out to an admissions counselor before applying to ensure you meet all requirements. They can also provide invaluable guidance, ultimately making your application more competitive.
How much does an online bachelor's in human and family development degree cost?
The average annual tuition for an undergraduate degree program is $14,688. However, many factors can cause this figure to fluctuate — including your residency status and whether the institution is public or private.
As an online student, you’ll also want to budget for additional expenses like technology fees, textbooks, and course materials. While these costs may seem minimal compared to tuition, they can add up over time and ultimately make your degree more expensive.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in human and family development degree?
Earning this degree takes four years for full-time students, while part-time students may take five to six years, depending on their course load. Full-time enrollment is ideal for those who can commit to a more intensive study schedule and wish to graduate sooner. Still, online learning often works well for part-time students, as it allows them to balance work, family, or other obligations with their academic pursuits.
Regardless of your enrollment type, it’s important to double-check the total number of required credits, as this can vary by institution and affect your completion timeline.