Family Science (FS)

The Family Science (FS) focus area of the Human Development program provides a systematic approach to observing, understanding, and analyzing close relationships and families within their individual, social, and historical contexts. We use diverse qualitative and quantitative methodologies to positively impact the lives of individuals and families across the life span. Family Science faculty employ theoretically rich research questions with rigorous analytic techniques, resulting in publications in top-tier academic journals and other academic sources including Family Relations, Journal of Marriage and Family, Family Process, Journal of Family Issues, and the Sourcebook of Family Theory and Research.

Student scholarship occurs not only in the classroom, but also through mentorship and research. Students may participate in wide-ranging faculty research projects using diverse methodologies and dealing with issues such as intimate relationships, divorce and remarriage, intergenerational relationships, family diversity over the life course, human sexuality, LGBTQ+ families, feminist analysis of families and intersectionality.

HDFS faculty across the focus areas of Adult Development and Aging, Child and Adolescent Development, Family Science, and Marriage and Family Therapy often collaborate on research and service projects. Graduate students often participate in research projects and subsequent publications through collaborations with HDFS faculty and faculty in other departments, such as Psychology. 

Many of our students work with one of the three centers that serve as living laboratories and community outreach spaces, including The Engagement Center for Creative Aging, Child Development Center for Learning and Research, and the Family Therapy Center.