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This online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Child Development program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of children and families. Students enrolled in this program will learn about typical and atypical child development and will graduate with knowledge of working with children and families in an effort to support positive child outcomes.

Graduates are qualified to work as teachers and administrators in early childhood programs, child development specialists in a variety of settings, or in child advocacy. Students who intern under the supervision of a licensed teacher have the opportunity to obtain a Mississippi Pre-K-K teaching license.

The coursework for this program prepares students to become competent early care and education professionals, parent educators, child advocates, and early interventionists within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Graduates pursue careers in public and private sectors dedicated to supporting children and families in today's complex society. The occupational outlook for students emerging into early childhood education or other areas of human services is excellent, with job predictions maintaining an increase over the next several years. The Human Development and Family Science -Child Development program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $452.00
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Students completing a major in Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Child Development and choosing to pursue Pre-K/K licensure take both the Praxis II Education of Young Children (0021/5021) and the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood (0621/5621).”

Program Structure

To graduate with the Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Child Development degree:

  • Students must complete a minimum of 124 hours
  • Up to 62 hours may be transferred from an accredited community college
  • Students will take a total of 36 hours in General Education courses
  • Students will take a total of 29 hours in major core courses
  • Students will take at least 59 in the child development concentration
  • Students must have a GPA of 2.0 on all college work prior to entering the major A grade of C or better must be earned in all HS and HDFS courses required for graduation

Core Curriculum

All students who enter MSU must meet the common core curriculum requirements as set by the Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning of the State of Mississippi to qualify for any bachelor's degree.

  • English Composition (6 hours)
  • Mathematics (6 hours)
  • Fine Arts (3 hours)
  • Natural Sciences (9 hours)
  • Humanities (6 hours)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)
    • 3 hours must be HDFS 1813 for all HDFS students
    • 3 hours from social science general education requirements

Major Required Courses

Course Number Course Title Hours
HS 1701 Survey of Human Sciences 1
HDFS 2813 Child Development 3
HDFS 3303 Consumer Economics 3
HDFS 4333 Families, Legislation and Public Policy 3
HDFS 4424 Teaching Methods in Agricultural and Human Sciences 4
HDFS 4701 Internship Placement 1
HDFS 4702 Research and Application in Human Sciences 2
HDFS 4803 Parenting 3
HDFS 4853 The Family: A Human Ecological Perspective 3
HDFS 4883 Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions 3
AELC 3203 or EDF 3413 or EPY 3513 or MGT 3213 Writing competency requirement 3
Total Hours: 29

Child Development Concentration Courses

Course Number Course Title Hours
HDFS 2803 Prenatal and Infant Development 3
HDFS 3803 Creativity & Play in Young Children 3
HDFS 3813 Lifespan Theory 3
HDFS 3823 Methods & Materials for Early Care and Education Programs 3
HDFS 3843 Guiding Young Children’s Behavior & Social Development 3
HDFS 3853 Language and Literacy in the Early Years 3
HDFS 4740 or HDFS 4760 PreK-K Teacher Candidacy Internship or Child Development Internship 12
HDFS 4823 Development and Administration of Child Service Programs 3
HS 2283 Child Health and Nutrition 3
EDX 3213 Individualizing Instruction for Exceptional Children 3
CO 1003 or CO 1013 Fundamentals of Public Speaking or Introduction to Communication 3
COE 4013 or HDFS 3123 Facilitative Skills Development or Global Child Advocacy Issues 3
Elective Hours: 14
Total Hours: 59

Transfer Credit

All courses taken at another accredited institution are recorded on the student’s permanent record; however, the student’s academic advisor determines the applicability of the work toward degree requirements. The university will accept no more than 62 semester hours from a two-year institution (Community College) toward degree requirements. The remaining 62 hours needed for the degree must come from a four-year college.

Admissions Process

New Admissions

If you have never attended Mississippi State University, please complete the online Undergraduate Admissions Application.

  • You will choose Human Development and Family Sci/ Child Development (BS) as your major and Online Education as your campus.
  • Request that official ACT or SAT scores be sent to MSU.
  • Request that your high school send your official transcript. Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
  • Submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended.
  • If you are unable to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them via U.S. Postal Service to:
    Office of Admissions & Scholarships
    P.O. Box 6334
    Mississippi State, MS 39762-5507
  • All new admits will pay a non-refundable application fee online.
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Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the university, you must contact your advisor to determine the courses that are most appropriate for you to take. Approximately two months prior to the upcoming semester, your advisor will send an email to your MSU email account, making course recommendations based on your program of study.

Dr. Cappe Hallberg

Dr. Cappe Hallberg

Human Development and Family Studies

Instructor I and Undergraduate Coordinator

challberg@humansci.msstate.edu

662-325-3080

Meet Your Academic Advisor

Dr. Cappe Hallberg provides personalized advising for all students in the Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Child Development program. From choosing the right courses to planning your path to graduation, she’s here to support you throughout your academic journey.

Connect With Your Advisor

After you're admitted, connect with your advisor to plan your courses and stay on track. Your advisor can also help when you're considering changes to your schedule or program of study.

Stay Connected Through Your MSU Email

Your MSU email is your source for official university communications, including important updates and deadlines. Click here to view instructions for setting up your MSU email.

Follow Your Program of Study

Your program of study outlines the courses needed for your degree. Connect with your advisor before making changes to ensure your courses align with your degree requirements.


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
662-325-9092
Headshot of Mark Jimerson

Mark Jimerson

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
662-325-2655
Photo of Dr. Cappe Hallberg

Dr. Cappe Hallberg

Human Development and Family Studies

  • Instructor I and Undergraduate Coordinator
662-325-3080
Headshot portrait of Bailey

Bailey Owens Poindexter

School of Human sciences

  • Student Services Coordinator
662-325-7703
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School of Human Sciences

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