Students and faculty gathered this week at North Dakota State University for the annual Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Fest, an event dedicated to showcasing the HDFS field and encouraging student involvement. Featuring interactive booths, presentations and networking opportunities, the event drew students from various majors, offering insights into the impactful work of HDFS professionals.
The discipline of human development and family science examines how individuals change and evolve throughout their lives and how they interact with their families and social settings. HDFS programs utilize scientific methodologies to comprehend social, physical, emotional and behavioral development. The field aims to enhance the human condition by developing solutions to societal problems.
HDFS Fest highlighted diverse career paths within the field, including social work, counseling, family life education and research. Faculty shared insights on why students should consider majoring in HDFS, emphasizing the field’s unique ability to benefit families and communities. The event encouraged students to think critically about their future societal impact, with opportunities ranging from working with children and families to supporting aging populations.
For many students, HDFS Fest offered a firsthand look at the real-world applications of an HDFS degree. “As an HDFS major, I’ve learned to understand human behavior on a deeper level, and I love the sense of community within the department,” said Rachel Lilly, an HDFS student. “This event brings us all together and lets us share what we love about this field.”
Graduate students also participated, sharing their experiences and ongoing research. Suzette Hudson, a third-year Ph.D. candidate from Jamaica, spoke about her studies on the intergenerational effects of father involvement in Afro-Caribbean communities. “The program will definitely help me in my future efforts to support Caribbean families adversely affected by father absence,” Hudson said, noting that her research highlights how family dynamics and fatherhood can shape broader social outcomes.
Bryce VanVleet, another Ph.D. candidate specializing in gerontology, emphasized the event’s value for connecting with students in a relaxed setting. VanVleet, who will earn his degree in Fall 2025, noted, “As a future professor, there’s truly nothing better than interacting with students in a fun environment. I love the investment our department makes in our students, and I enjoy chatting with them about their goals.”
The event also spotlighted a dual-degree program with Valley City State University (VCSU). This program allows students to earn degrees from both institutions while gaining certification to teach elementary education. Many students pursuing the dual degree choose to double major, which provides practical teaching experience and broadens career options. Classes are available on the NDSU campus, in nearby elementary schools, or both, preparing students for certification to teach in public schools, with options to specialize in early childhood education.
NDSU students enrolled in HDFS programs learn how to assist individuals and families in achieving well-being through educational, preventive and intervention services. Common roles for graduates include family life educator, social worker, counselor, and couple and family therapist. A mandatory internship and challenging coursework are integral to HDFS programs, with some offering the opportunity to earn a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) certification.
The HDFS Fest included various booths run by faculty, graduate students and VCSU representatives, allowing students to explore different aspects of the major. The event concluded with a sense of community and appreciation. “I attend this event every year, and it never disappoints,” said one attendee. “I’m excited to see how it continues to grow and evolve, and I’d love to see more interactive sessions in the future.”
With another successful HDFS Fest, NDSU continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing future leaders in human development and family studies, providing a solid foundation for students eager to make a positive impact on society. For more information about the HDFS department, visit NDSU HDFS. For a list of student organizations under HDFS, visit HDFS Student Organizations.