Minor in Human Development and Family Science
Our minor in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is focused on understanding human development and family systems in context and enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and their communities. HDFS is designed to be interdisciplinary in nature in order to accommodate the special interests and strengths of students, while also allowing for flexibility and individualization.
About the Minor
By completing the HDFS minor, graduates will critically evaluate and apply concepts related to human development, contemporary family processes, and transitions in the context of marriage, relationships, and parenting.
Who can benefit from this minor?
The minor is best for those interested in helping careers and enhances learning in majors such psychology, social work, nursing, and speech pathology and audiology. The HDFS minor is dynamic and broadens understanding of individuals, families, and communities. Students who graduate with a minor in HDFS often pursue careers or graduate study in early intervention, non-profit programs, adoption/foster care, counseling, psychology, social work, and family law.
Core Faculty Members
Robin Anderson
Lecturer
Juli Dolezal
Clinical Assistant Professor
Megan Haselschwerdt
Associate Professor
Sally B. Hunter
Clinical Associate Professor
Elizabeth I. Johnson
Professor
C. Tanner Kilpatrick
Clinical Associate Professor
Elsa Nownes
Clinical Assistant Professor
Spencer Olmstead
Professor, Associate Head, and HDFS Graduate Program Director
Amy Rauer
Professor
Daniela Salinas
Professor
Heidi Stolz
Professor and Undergraduate Programs Director
Alex Tucker
Lecturer
Julia Yan
Assistant Professor
The department has broadened my perspective of children and their families, as well as the relationships I form within my day-to-day life. I enjoy how this program pushed us, but also allowed us to show what we know in and outside of the classroom.
Hannah Grace Manning, BS,
Class of 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine requirements for the HDFS minor?
To determine which HDFS minor requirements to follow, first determine the catalog year for your major. Then, select the corresponding catalog year and follow the requirements listed.
What happened to the Child and Family Studies (CFS) minor?
We are growing in exciting new ways. Prior to Fall 2024, this minor was known as Child and Family Studies. You will still see under that name for academic catalogs published before Fall 2024.
All the courses I need for the Child and Family Studies (CFS) minor disappeared. What happened?
Effective Fall 2024, these courses have a new prefix, HDFS (i.e., Human Development and Family Science). The numbers for the courses are the same. HDFS and CFS prefixes are interchangeable, and DARS will recognize both.
Can I substitute a course in the minor?
Yes! Substitutions are possible to accommodate a students’ need to follow a specific catalog year. To discuss a substitution and complete the necessary forms, contact CEHHS Office of Advising and Student Services.
How many credit hours are needed for the HDFS minor?
Eighteen credit hours in HDFS are needed for the minor. You can tailor your selections to your schedule, preferred modality, and interests.
What is unique about the HDFS minor at UTK?
The supportive faculty members in HDFS are a uniquely positive aspect of the program!
Contact Us
Administrative Program Specialist – TBD
HDFS Practicum, Dr. Juli Dolezal
HDFS Advising & Student Success Coordinator, Dr. Sally Hunter
CHDFS Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Heidi Stolz
CEHHS Advising https://cehhsadvising.utk.edu/