The Human Development and Family Sciences major will provide advanced educational experiences in the content areas of human and family development, cultural diversity, program administration and evaluation, research methodology, statistics, theories related to families and children, child development, and current issues impacting families and children. Students will be encouraged to complete practicums serving children and families in the community and have the option to complete a non-thesis and thesis option to prepare them for doctoral programs and research careers.

This program also offers a Child Life concentration, offered with a thesis and non-thesis option, which will also provide advanced educational experiences in the content areas of research methodology, theories related to families and children, child development, current issues impacting families and children, as well as knowledge and expertise to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, a professional who has been educated and trained to help children and their families understand, plan, and manage challenging health care experiences in a way that supports children's growth and development, usually within a hospital setting.