The Department of Human Development & Family Sciences (HDFS) focuses its research, teaching, and public engagement on a multidisciplinary understanding of 1) healthy development and wellbeing of individuals and families over the lifespan, 2) interactions and processes within families, and 3) individuals and families in societal and cultural contexts.

The major in Human Development and Family Sciences requires 43 credits at the 2000 level or above including 31 credits in Human Development and Family Sciences and 12 credits in courses related to but outside the major department. A student completing requirements for a major must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better in the credits that count toward the major in Human Development and Family Sciences. Students are allowed much flexibility in tailoring their major to meet their particular interests and educational goals. Working with their advisors and other faculty, students can develop their HDFS plan of study to reflect inter-related areas of expertise in areas such as Early Childhood Education, Child and Adolescent Development; Adulthood, Aging, and Gerontology; Couples, Parents, and Families; Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention; and Diversity and Culture.

The Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Studies is Beth Russell, Ph.D.

This program's CFLE-approval was discontinued 1/31/2021.