NDSU
NDSU | Human Development and Family Science

Online Human Development and Family Science Degrees at NDSU

Gain a comprehensive, integrated knowledge of families and individuals across their lifespans as appropriate preparation for careers that make a difference in the lives of others.

  • 16~

    Undergraduate and graduate HDFS students

  • # 0

    Best Human Development & Family Studies schools by College Factual

  • 0:1

    Student to faculty ratio allows individualized attention from leaders in their fields.

  • $323

    The amount NDSU graduates make above the national median starting salary for HDFS graduates

Your future is waiting. Here’s how to get started.

Join the next generation of Human Development and Family Science professionals.

Gain an understanding of the development of children and adults and their interaction in the family within society while preparing for a successful career.

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Fuel your potential with online undergraduate and master's degrees

At NDSU, we take pride in better placement rates of students, higher starting salaries, and the discovery of ideas and careers you never knew were possible before attending NDSU. Explore some of our popular degree programs.

Online undergraduate degrees

  • Adult Development & Aging prepares students for careers involving direct and support services for adults of various ages as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
  • Child and Adolescent Development prepares students for careers involving direct and support services for children and adolescents as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.
  • Family Science allows students to take a concentration of courses in family science or family economics in preparation for careers in direct and support services for families as well as graduate studies. A minor outside the department is required.

Online graduate degrees

  • Youth Development focuses on promoting the positive development of youth, and it is an applied field with professionals who put developmental research and theory into practice for adolescents.
  • Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle age through later life. This online degree equips you with a broad range of skills essential for improving the lives of others.
  • Family Financial Planning enhances your knowledge of personal and family financial management. Financial planners are increasingly in demand as Americans seek financial service advisers to help manage their income, assets, and debts.

Why choose NDSU?

We take pride in better student placement rates, higher starting salaries, the discovery of ideas and careers you never knew were possible.

Flexible Format

Courses cater to working professionals with online options.

Affordable Education

One of the most cost-effective HDFS programs nationwide.

Expert Faculty

Learn from renowned professors with real-world experience.

Career-Focused Curriculum

Develop skills for impactful careers.

High Job Demand

Demand is fueling higher-than-average employment for careers in HDFS.

Career Advancement

Prepare for leadership roles with HDFS graduate degrees.

Answers to your NDSU questions

Why choose NDSU for my college education?

You're looking here for a reason. You're interested. But you want to be sure it's the right fit. So, please allow us to introduce ourselves and let you know what we're all about.

At NDSU, our students are at the center of hands-on learning. As an R1-ranked research university, we are awarded the highest classification in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This award is presented to only the top research institutions in the country.

To learn more about NDSU, explore our website or request more information from us.

How do I apply for online degree programs at NDSU?

North Dakota State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that will help you meet your career goals. No matter what type of student you are, we want to make your application experience as seamless as possible. Online student applicants follow the same admission processes and requirements for all students entering the university.

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Before an application file can be reviewed for admission, it must be completed with all required official documents. Admission decisions will not be made based on incomplete application files and/or unofficial documentation.

If you want to know more about the process for applying, visit the How to Apply page for the steps you need to take.

Undergraduate Students

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to the Office of Admission at 1-800-488-NDSU or NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu.

Ready to apply? Send in your undergraduate application.

Graduate Students

To schedule an in-person meeting with a member of our graduate admissions staff, email ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu. You can also schedule a virtual meeting with our graduate advisor.

Ready to apply? Send in your graduate application.

How much does it cost to attend NDSU?

Financial aid and scholarships, combined with a 93% placement rate upon graduation, make NDSU both a smart and affordable investment.

Online Tuition Costs

Online students pay in-state tuition, no matter your location. For detailed information about the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, including a breakdown on the explanation of fees, see our cost of attendance guide.

Undergraduate Programs

The undergraduate tuition rate is variable, based on the degree program. For online courses, there is no cap on the number of credits you can take per semester. You will pay for each credit enrolled. View our cost of attendance guide to see a breakdown of costs for individual programs.

Undergraduate students can get more information on the types of scholarships we offer at NDSU and how you can apply for them in our financial aid guide.

Graduate Degrees

The graduate tuition rate for these programs is $610/credit. A full-time degree-seeking student often has 6 credits per semester. So, an average full-time working professional would pay $3,660 per semester to attend NDSU.

There are many ways to fund your graduate education at NDSU, including grants, fellowships, and graduate assistantships.

Free Tuition for First-Time Students

Our Tuition Award Program started in the 2024-25 academic year. Pell-eligible North Dakota and Minnesota students with family income levels of $80,000 or less will have base tuition and student fees fully covered for two years if they are in their first year at NDSU. Students returning in their second year at NDSU during the 2024-25 will also be considered for this program for one year.

Who can I talk with if I have more questions?

Just getting started? Please email us at ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu or call 1-800-488-NDSU or (701) 231-8643.

Have questions about your next steps, financial aid, housing, student support services, or more? Connect with the counselor from your region through call, text, email, or by scheduling a virtual meeting.

Meet the admissions team

Tour the North Dakota State University campus from anywhere

Get a personalized virtual tour or choose from popular tours for first-time and upper-division students.

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