The 5 Best Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Online
Updated July 30, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff
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Although a major in human and family development may seem like a rather specific area of study, the degree is actually quite versatile and prepares students for meaningful work in a variety of settings such as educational organizations, non-profits, and government agencies. The increasing availability of online bachelors in human and family development programs makes this degree choice even more appealing for working adults. In this ranking, we explore the top 5 bachelor's degree in human and family development online programs. For more general information on distance learning programs, see our ranking of top online colleges.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
- Under $30,000—1 point
- Under $25,000—2 points
- Under $20,000—3 points
- Under $15,000—4 points
- Under $10,000—5 points
US News and World Report Recognition as a Top Online School for Bachelor’s Programs
- Top 10—10 points
- Top 25 —9 points
- Top 50 —8 points
- Top 75 —7 points
- Top 100—6 points
- Top 125—5 points
- Top 150—4 points
- Top 175—3 points
- Top 200—2 points
Customization Options
- Content Customizations (e.g., Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
- Format Customizations (e.g., Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies
To compile this ranking, our editors gathered information from both College Navigator and US News & World Report to apply the rating and ranking methodology above. In cases of a tie, the more affordable schools appear higher in the ranking.
Featured Online Schools
Online Bachelor of Family, Consumer, and Human Development
Points: 19
Utah State University’s online bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies offerings include both a BA and a BS in Family, Consumer, and Human Development. Students pursuing either option may choose from four areas of emphasis, including Family and Community Services, Child Development, Family Finance, and Human Development Lifespan. Specific course titles include Human Development Across the Lifespan, Families and Cultural Diversity, Marriage and Family Relationships, and Parenting and Child Guidance. Students pursuing the BA option must fulfill a foreign language component in addition to major course requirements.
In-State Tuition: $7,426
Online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Points: 18
Colorado State University’s online bachelor’s degree in human development offering is a 120-credit hour interdisciplinary program featuring concentrations in Early Childhood Professions, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Professions, Pre-Health Professions, and Prevention and Intervention Sciences. Students may also pursue a minor in gerontology. The program features specific course titles such as Risk and Resilience Across the Lifespan, Couple and Family Studies, Individual and Family Development, and Family and Parenthood Across the Lifespan. Students must also complete a field experience prior to graduation from this online bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies program.
In-State Tuition: $8,400
Online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Points: 17
Pennsylvania State University- World Campus offers a 120-credit hour online bachelor’s degree in human development program with an option in Life Span Human Services. Classes comprising the curriculum for the program include Values and Ethics in Health and Human Development Professions, Empirical Inquiry in Human Development, and Resolving Problems in Human Development and Family Problems. Students enrolled in the program are given the opportunity to earn professional certificates such as undergraduate certificates in Child, Youth, and Family Services and Adult Development and Aging Services. Graduates of this online bachelor degree in family studies program are qualified to work in a variety of areas such as preschool education, marriage and family counseling, public relations, social services, and more.
In-State Tuition: $13,678
Online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences
Points: 16
Oregon State University’s online bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies is offered through the school’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The 180-credit program emphasizes critical thinking skills, research, and written and verbal communication. Courses include Adult Development and Aging, Critical Thinking in Human Development and Family Sciences, Introduction to Public Health, and Family Studies. Online bachelor’s degree in family studies students are encouraged to select a minor in related fields such as public health, leadership, psychology, sociology, and more.
In-State Tuition: $10,366
Online Bachelor of Science in Human Science: Human Development and Family Studies
Points: 15
Texas Tech University’s online bachelor’s degree in human development offering is a BS in Human Science with a concentration in Human Development and Family Studies. This uniquely versatile program allows students to choose two additional areas of concentration, including Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies, Personal Finance, Nutritional Sciences, and more. The curriculum for the program is interdisciplinary in nature, and students can take classes entirely online or via a hybrid format. Graduates of this online bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies program go on to work in mental health counseling, nonprofit leadership, education, and child development among other related fields.
In-State Tuition: $8,428
Related Rankings: