Why Study Human Development and Family Science?
Human development students are prepared to work with many different types of people from infants to older adults. Our interdisciplinary approach will prepare you to do research and contribute to the field of human development while gaining experience.
We offer a major that's flexible in content and has an emphasis on practical application. You will have the opportunity to take courses in childhood and adolescence, adulthood and aging, family relationships, and human services while completing a hands-on field experience.
We also offer a major in Early Childhood Development and Education. This major provides guidelines for course selection that will help students move toward becoming a licensed educator and contributing to the learning and growth of children.
Finally, we offer a graduate program in Human Development and Family Science. Graduate students can choose to focus in one of four content areas in the program: Adult Development & Aging, Child & Adolescent Development, Family Studies, and Marriage & Family Therapy.
Many of our students conduct research in the four centers that serve as living laboratories, including the Engagement Center for Creative Aging (ECCA; formerly Adult Day Services), Child Development Center for Learning and Research, Family Therapy Center, and Center for Family Services. Graduates are well prepared for careers or graduate school in human services, health care, education, business, non-profit administration, and government.
Beyond the Classroom
Our programs offer lots of opportunities for you to enrich your education, both inside and outside of class.
We have a strong research faculty filled with award-winning teachers. They have built a reputation among students for being approachable and engaging. Our large and growing research portfolio covers family studies, early childhood, aging, and everything in between.
Our students get real job experience with internships and field studies at schools, community services agencies, non-profit organizations, research centers, and occupational and physical therapy practices. A human development degree translates to many different job titles, with skills that are valuable in any field. We have dedicated career advising and tips for applying your skills to a career that's rewarding and right for you.
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We offer scholarships, awards, and research grants just for history students, as well as those sponsored by the university and our College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Out-of-class learning experiences are highly encouraged here. Our students undertake independent research, publish their work, and present at conferences.
Explore diversity among people, cultures, and geographic locations first-hand on education abroad trips. We offer summer, semester and year-long opportunities to a variety of locations across the world.
Our department hosts the Association of Childhood Educators.
