HDFS是研究儿童，青年和家庭的跨学科生命周期方法。它涵盖婴幼儿研究，青年研究，家庭研究，家庭资源管理和老年医学的专业领域。毕业生将改变儿童，青年及其家庭的生活。他们将成为未来的领导人，他们将开发，管理和评估幼儿，青年发展，家庭支持和社区计划。他们将在与幼儿，青年和家庭有关的领域推进研究和制定政策。
HDFS is an interdisciplinary lifespan approach to the study of children, youth, and families. It encompasses specialty areas in infant and child studies, youth studies, family studies, family resource management, and gerontology. Graduates will make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. They will become future leaders who will develop, manage, and evaluate early childhood, youth development, family support, and community-based programs. They will advance research and policy in areas related to young children, youth, and families.