The program focuses on child and adolescent development, adult development and aging, biological aspects of human development, family studies, intervention research and developmental research methods. Students learn about the stages of development from infancy to adulthood and how to promote healthy family development.

Human Development & Family Studies graduates will:

• Identify physical, cognitive, emotional and social dimensions of human development and family relationships.

• Identify reciprocal influences of family, school, work, and community contexts on human development.

• Identify practical implications of human development and family relationship concepts.

• Demonstrate an understanding of program development, delivery and evaluation.

• Access scholarly sources and critically evaluate the quality of empirical research.

• Demonstrate an understanding of theories, methods and principles of research.

• Effectively communicate ideas in oral presentations and written papers.

• Recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families.

• Apply knowledge of human development and family relationships through involvement with and study of diverse domestic and international populations.

• Identify opportunities for advanced training in human development and family studies and related professions.

• Identify opportunities for employment in human development and family studies and related professions.