作为宾夕法尼亚州立大学的人类发展与家庭研究（HDFS）专业，您将在以下两个选项之间进行选择：生命跨度人类服务或生命跨度发展科学。两种选择都基于一组HDFS课程，这些课程涉及个人和家庭的基本发展，研究方法以及个人和家庭干预的方法。追求生命跨度发展科学选修课程的学生专注于HDFS领域所基于的理论和研究过程。包括研究论文在内的多学期研究实践是该选项的组成部分。作为宾州州立大学的HDFS专业学生，您将研究人们在整个人生过程中以及在家庭和社会背景下的身体，情感和社交发展情况。您将深入研究人类发展和成长的惊人过程，获
This option focuses on the understanding of contemporary methodological approaches to the acquisition of scientific knowledge about individual development over the life span and about family development. This option provides preparation for advanced training in careers in developmental or family research, teaching at a college or university, or for professional careers that require graduate training. Courses within this option emphasize a thorough understanding of the theory and methods of developmental and family theory and research. An approved, multi-semester research practicum is an integral component of this option. Typical postgraduate pursuits of students completing this option include graduate study in human development, family studies, psychology, or sociology, or advanced professional training in psychology, law, behavioral health, social work, or in other programs related to services for individuals and families.