Bachelor in Human Development and Family Studies (Bachelor's)

Applications for the Jan 2027 intake are open until Nov 15, 2026, and tuition is Tuition for the B.A.S. program is $325 per credit hour for in-state students and $450 per credit hour for out-of-state students..

This programme prepares students for careers supporting children and families through applied study of family systems and development. It focuses on practical skills for working within family units and community support networks. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application through coursework and hands-on experience. It is designed for transfer students seeking a career-focused bachelor's degree.

Focus areas include Family systems, Child development, Family resource management, Childcare program administration.

The B.A.S. in Child and Family Studies requires a total of 120 credits. It includes 30 credits of major-specific courses, 30 credits of general education, and 60 credits from transferable vocational or technical coursework. The degree is structured to build on prior associate-level study.

Graduates enter roles such as child care provider, preschool teacher, case manager, court appointed advocate, health care advocate, and volunteer coordinator.

Applicants must have an associate degree or equivalent transferable credits. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Official transcripts and a personal statement are needed for application.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, typically completed in two years for transfer students. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 86% of applicants.

Professional preparation shapes the Northwest experience. Founded in 1905, the university offers more than 200 majors and programs across agricultural sciences, business, communication and mass media, computer science and information systems, education, fine and performing arts, health science and wellness, humanities and social sciences, literature, language and writing, mathematics and statistics, and natural sciences. Programs include bachelor's, master's, certificates and accelerated bachelor's-to-master's options. Students learn through research, internships and campus opportunities as well as classroom study.

Applied learning includes broadcast work on radio and television stations, client projects through Knacktive, the Northwest Mock Trial Team, and study at the 448-acre Wright Farm and Horace Mann Laboratory School. Small classes, approachable professors, academic advising, success coaching, tutoring and career services support students as they progress. Within six months, 95% of graduates are employed or continuing their education. The university has more than 8,500 total students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio.

Maryville is a walkable college town, and Northwest is the city's only traditional four-year university. Local coffee shops, restaurants and events extend student life beyond campus. More than 150 clubs and organizations, Living Learning Communities, leadership, campus employment and community engagement offer ways to build connections. The Bearcat Advantage offers eligible out-of-state students an $8,728 scholarship for a GPA of 2.75 or above. Other financial support includes the Northwest Promise and automatic scholarships.