This program prepares students to work with children, adults, and families throughout the lifespan in a broad range of settings. The developmental orientation of the program is designed to provide a thorough understanding of every major developmental period in life in multiple contexts from birth to adolescence, to working with mid-life and older adults. It includes child, adult, and family development classes in the Department of Social and Public Health, with a life span emphasis, as well as courses that include diversity in families, family ties and aging, human sexualities, the impact of stress and trauma, and death and dying. Professional skill development is an essential part of the program and intended to give students the practical skill set needed by human services specialists.

Required courses from other departments or programs include early childhood education, health, psychology, sociology, and social work. Also required are a 75 hour practicum and a 400 hour full-time internship. These provide practical experience and the opportunity to integrate theory and course content into real-life situations. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation for those students who plan to go on to graduate school.

The child and family studies program offers three different concentrations to choose from: child, adult, and family services; child life; and family gerontology.