About Human Development And Family Science, BA (cehd) in George Mason University
This degree prepares its graduates to use family-centered and strengths-based approaches to support the health and well-being of individuals and families in diverse communities. Graduates will have a strong interdisciplinary foundation in the HDFS field and competencies in 10 areas as established by the National Council on Family Relations, including:
- internal dynamics of relationships and families
- human growth and development
- family-and community-based program planning, implementation, and evaluation
- social policies and laws affecting families
- family diversity
- research methodology
- professional ethics as related to the HDFS field
The HDFS curriculum prepares students to effectively engage with families across the lifespan and in a variety of service settings and professions, from early childhood education and care to family law and policy advocacy.
Our program prepares students to critically analyze complex family issues, advocate for families in schools, communities, and in the policy arena, and address social-structural factors contributing to and influencing family functioning, health, and well-being (e.g., poverty and wealth inequality, immigration and illegalization, family homelessness, incarceration, family violence, and discrimination and structural violence such as racism, nationalism, or heterosexism). Students are required to complete a 6-credit internship and integrate research training with service fieldwork. Such an experience is a critical component of HDFS student development and will further prepare our students for graduate education and diverse careers in the human development and family science field.
- Certified official, original transcripts from all secondary schools as well as official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken. A certified English translation must be submitted for any documents not already in English. All application materials are property of George Mason University and will not be returned to the applicant, nor shared with another individual, institution, or organization under any circumstances.
English Language Requirements
TOEFL iBT Undergraduate - Testing code 5827
- Volgenau School of Engineering Undergraduate: 80, no section minimum
- All other undergraduate programs: 80 or higher, minimum of 18 in each subsection
IELTS Undergraduate
- 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subsection
Pearson Academic Test of English
- A minimum score of 59, all applicants
George Mason University Highlights
| College Type |
Public |
| Establishment Year |
1972 |
| Campus Setting |
Suburban |
| Location |
Fairfax, Virginia |
| Total Students |
37,000+ |
| Mode of Program |
Full-time/ Part-time/ Online |
| Student/Faculty Ratio |
17:1 |
| Average Class Size |
Less than 20 |
| Campus Housing |
Available |
| Acceptance Rate |
87% |
| Retention Rate |
86% |
| Graduation Rate |
71% |
| Financial Aid |
Scholarship |
George Mason University Cost of Attendance
The table below shows the cost of attendance at George Mason University for 2020-21:
| Fee Type |
Undergraduate (Amount in USD) |
Graduate (Amount in USD) |
| Tuition (Full-time) |
32,970 |
25,430 |
| Room and Meal plan |
12,090 (On-campus)
12,786 (Off-campus) |
20,400 (Off-campus) |
| Transportation |
1,260 (On-campus)
2,334 (Off-campus) |
2,334 (Off-campus) |
| Personal Expenses |
2,336 (On-campus)
4,238 (Off-campus) |
4,238 (Off-campus) |
| Additional Costs |
1,278 |
1,278 |
