The major in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) draws from multiple disciplines and is designed for students who are intrigued by human nature and the forces that help shape it. HDFS majors will study how people develop physically, emotionally, and socially across their lifespans and in the context of family and society. Graduates will be prepared to serve individuals and families in a variety of settings, attend graduate programs in a variety of fields or conduct research in non-academic or academic settings.

The Child and Family Studies program is designed around the life lab concept, emphasizing a partnership between academics and out of classroom placements. You are required to enroll in a semester practicum during your second year in order to understand the possibilities and complexities of your vocational choice.