The major in Human and Social Development (HSD) is based on the premise that the well-being of individuals and families cannot be fostered in isolation from the communities in which they live and the institutions that affect their lives.

HSD courses cover the scholarly and applied knowledge bases regarding the interconnectedness of personal, interpersonal, institutional, and community change, the barriers to healthy development and well-being at these levels, and the strategies and policies that promote well-being in individuals, families, and communities. Emphasis is placed on research and theory regarding preventive and strengths-promoting strategies as applied to complex, multicultural systems.