From a foundation of research and theory, this degree focuses on development across the life span (prenatal to late adulthood) in the context of couple, marriage, family, and peer relationships. This program focuses on intrapersonal (e.g., personality, cognition), interpersonal (e.g., relationship conflict, self-disclosure), and societal (e.g., race-ethnicity, social class) influences as they affect personal and family well-being. Many courses offer perspectives on interpersonal and family behavior through development of the infant, child, adolescent, young adult (courtship, early marriage), middle-aged adult (divorce-remarriage, parenthood), and older adult (widowhood, grandparenthood). Some courses also focus on important social issues that affect individual and family functioning (e.g., violence). Courses at the upper-division level provide professional training for students seeking employment in such diverse occupations as child advocacy, early intervention, youth development, human resources, social services, and social justice. In addition, HDFS is an ideal foundation for further study in areas such as allied health, nursing, medicine, law, education, and other related graduate programs. Service and research skills are also enhanced by opportunities to observe and interact with infants, toddlers, and young children in the Child Development Research Center and TTU Center for Early Head Start. The centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Students are required to pass a background check before working in these areas. Supervised experiences with community groups provide opportunities for interaction with older children, adolescents, couples, families, and elderly adults. These experiences assist students in understanding developmental stages of human behavior and interpersonal relations as they occur in professional settings. The mission of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences is to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and relationships across the life span through research, teaching, service, and community outreach and engagement.