Announcement: CU Denver is Celebrating 50 Years
Whether you’re an alumnus, current student, member of the faculty and staff, donor, or neighbor, you’re a valuable part of the CU Denver community. Help us celebrate the last 50 years and a future that works for all.
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Explore CU Denver Programs
Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.
Program Overview
Students are prepared to effectively serve diverse families and individuals in community, school, and social service settings. Alumni continue to law school for child and family law or immigration law, medical school for pediatrics or family medicine, social work, family therapy, school psychology, counseling education, higher education, or other graduate studies.
The program prepares undergraduate students to serve culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals in various community and social service settings and to view diverse individuals from a strengths-based perspective.
Our students build their credentials by completing local and international service-learning and internships in nonprofit organizations, school and family liaison programs, after school programs, environmental and conservation outreach organizations, and human service agencies as part of their degree program.
It is designed with our faculty's involvement in students' academic and personal development. We foster a closely-knit, dedicated community of students, each of whom is mentored by professors who care. We walk alongside you from the first class to the last, supporting you each step of the way and offering you valuable experiences such as partnering in undergraduate research projects and service-learning activities.
Students in this program will:
- Deepen their knowledge in leadership for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Develop practical skills and culturally sustaining practices that demonstrate a commitment to diversity.
- Make connections among academic theories and field experiences to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes for diverse families and individuals.
- Advocate for and lead change to improve service for diverse families and individuals in various settings.
Program Description
The program prepares undergraduate students to serve culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals in various community and social service settings and to view diverse individuals from a strengths-based perspective.
Our students build their credentials by completing local and international service-learning and internships in nonprofit organizations, school and family liaison programs, after school programs, environmental and conservation outreach organizations, and human service agencies as part of their degree program.
It is designed with our faculty's involvement in students' academic and personal development. We foster a closely-knit, dedicated community of students, each of whom is mentored by professors who care. We walk alongside you from the first class to the last, supporting you each step of the way and offering you valuable experiences such as partnering in undergraduate research projects and service-learning activities.
Students in this program will:
- Deepen their knowledge in leadership for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Develop practical skills and culturally sustaining practices that demonstrate a commitment to diversity.
- Make connections among academic theories and field experiences to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes for diverse families and individuals.
- Advocate for and lead change to improve service for diverse families and individuals in various settings.
Why BS in Human Development and Family Relations at CU Denver
Like a Small Liberal Arts Experience for Diverse Students, But Reasonably Priced
Our faculty mentor you, support you, and help you think about the world in new ways. The schooling experience is grounded in DEI/JDEI and social justice and is akin to a small liberal arts experience, but cheaper.
Experiential Education
Many of our courses have service-learning requirements built into the curriculum. These experiences provide you with the building blocks to go anywhere in your career.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Students have an opportunity to participate in service learning in other countries with diverse Spanish-speaking families, schools and communities.
The Only Certified Family Life Educator Program in Colorado
This is the only Certified Family Life Educator approved program in Colorado, according to the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).
Transfer Friendly Program
Ask admissions about our ever-growing transfer partnerships with community colleges.
Take classes in English and Spanish
This program is the first bilingual (Spanish) Human Development and Family Relations program in the country. You can take your courses entirely in English, or take some of your online courses in a Spanish/English bilingual format.
Program Features
Fall, Spring and Summer
starting semesters
4 Years
recommended completion time
120
required credits for completion
Online and On-campus
classes available
Listed in the Top 50
bachelor's degrees in Human Development and Family Studies in the nation by Best Accredited College rankings
Student Testimonials
The HDFR program has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and perspective necessary for understanding the impact of social systems on human well-being. All of the professors in the program are incredibly kind and empathetic people who challenge you to succeed while still understanding individual struggles.
Brenna Nelson
BS in Human Development and Family Relations (May 2023)
I am a HDFR (Human Development Family Relations) student at the University of Colorado Denver. My decision to join the HDFR program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The online courses, and structure of the program make it possible to manage alongside other commitments (job, school, life). The instructors are extremely responsive, supportive, and motivating. The theories and practices utilized have provided me with a new lens through which to look at my work with children and families. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the HDFR program and would recommend it to anyone wanting to make a difference.
Ramona Silva
BS in Human Development and Family Relations (May 2023)Alumni Success Stories
I was surrounded by people who wanted to put themselves in other people’s shoes. I was telling one of my classmates that I had a paper to write and that I was stressed about it. She said, ‘Girl, you got this!’ I felt so supported. CU Denver is just a really diverse university. The HDFR program gives individuals life lessons that we can apply in our everyday lives and for our own good.
Carolina Lechuga Contreras
BS in Human Development and Family Relations
(2021)
Graduate student in social work, University of Denver
The HDFR program is really about connecting with diverse people in service of others. I recall my HDFR “Maymester” trip to Seville, Spain, with great fondness. It was one of my best community-building and service-oriented experiences as an undergraduate.
Jocelyn Vangundy
BS in Human Development and Family Relations
(2021)
Doctoral student at CU Denver in School Psychology
There were times I was falling behind on homework, and it would be easy for faculty to give a zero. Instead, they would send me an email to say, ‘Hey, just checking in to see if you’re doing okay.’ When I had no energy to get out of bed for days at a time, those emails helped me remember people care. I didn’t give up on myself, but I wouldn’t have gotten to that point if my faculty hadn’t stuck with me as well.
Zachary Lees
BS in Human Development and Family Relations
(2022)
Enrolled in a Graduate Social Work Program at the Metropolitan State University of Denver
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CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.