The Children, Youth, and Families concentration prepares students for challenging careers developing research and policy that maximize the potential of children, youth, and families. Changes in the structure and function of households and in the dynamics of neighborhoods, schools and the workforce are just a few of the issues facing families today. In order to influence policies in this area, professionals must understand the fundamentals of human development, the dramatic social, political and economic changes affecting family and community life, and new directions in system and program design. This requires knowledge of relevant theory and practice in the areas of demography, health, education, and social services. The concentration in Children, Youth, and Families addresses the broad spectrum of American policies that affect human development. Graduates of the program assume roles as policy analysts, researchers, educators, program planners, and advocates. The concentration helps students achieve their goals through mentoring and advising, formal courses, colloquia, research responsibilities, and interaction with faculty.

Like the other concentrations, the concentration in Children, Youth, and Families builds on the theoretical grounding in economics, political science, and sociology, as well as skills in both qualitative and quantitative research, required by the PhD program of study.  The goal of the CYF concentration is to prepare students for careers in university teaching and research, government agencies, and other research and service settings where, as graduates, they will frame new questions and bring their knowledge and analytical skills to bear on social programs and policies related to human development and family functioning.