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CORVALLIS, Ore. - A bachelor of science degree in human development and family sciences is now available online from Oregon State University, offering new opportunities for people in "helping" professions such as youth counseling, social work, crisis intervention and marriage/family counseling.

The degree is offered by OSU Extended Campus and the College of Health and Human Sciences, which already awards more bachelor's degrees in this popular field than other Oregon universities with similar programs. The Ecampus degree will make it more accessible to working professionals and parents, or students who are place bound.

"There is no question that people who provide direct-line service to individuals and family members are needed in every nook and cranny of Oregon and beyond," said Alexis Walker, chair of the OSU Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.

"Yet the opportunity for higher education of individuals in far-flung communities has been limited," she said. "This increases the capacity for people and their families to get the support and services they need right where they live."

The degree offers great flexibility, officials say, exploring families and human development through the lifespan in the contexts of school, work and communities. It may be especially suited to people who already have an associate's degree, and can also help prepare for graduate degrees in a variety of fields.

More information is available online at http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/hdfs