Developmental and Family Science
Explore how human development and family systems shape lives across the lifespan. Purdue’s developmental and family science program prepares you to support individuals, families and communities through hands-on experiences and specialized study.
Why Purdue?
A developmental and family science degree prepares you to design programs, support individuals and families, and advocate for healthier communities. Some potential career paths include:
- Child life specialist
- Family services coordinator
- Youth program director
- Social services caseworker
- Early intervention specialist
- Autism specialist
- Graduate or professional programs
Through valuable learning experiences and world-class instruction, our developmental and family science alumni find success in a variety of careers and advanced degree programs. Some examples include:
- Child development specialist, Bauer Family Resources
- Service coordinator, First Steps
- Registered behavior technician, HopeBridge
- Master of Science in medical physiology, Case Western Reserve University
- Master of Science in social work, University of Illinois
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ohio State University
You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will allow you to be a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.
Minimum high school coursework (many applicants exceed these minimums):
- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years
Connect
College of Health and Human Sciences
Discover our 22 majors across nine departments and schools dedicated to improving human health and quality of life.
Contact
Undergraduate Student Services
(765) 494-8533
hhsrecruitment@purdue.edu
Visit
Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.
Apply
Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in the developmental and family science major.
Caitlin Ashby
With a heart for service and a passion for the arts, Caitlin reflects on how Purdue empowered her to grow as a leader, creator, and changemaker. From choreographing performances to uplifting future Boilermakers, she’s leaving campus with deep gratitude and a drive to make every community she touches better than she found it.
Transfer to Developmental and Family Science
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
