人类发展与家庭研究（HDFS）是一门跨学科专业，致力于在家庭和文化背景下跨寿命的个人发展。学生完成人类发展（即婴儿期，儿童期，青春期，成年和青年成年，中后期和成年/年龄）和家庭研究领域的基础课程。学生学习该领域的理论和创新研究，并学习识别影响整个寿命过程中认知，情感，社交和身体发展的各种因素。HDFS学位课程的标志是参加为期一个学期的实习，学生将运用在基础课程中获得的知识和技能，并获得其专业领域的宝贵经验。HDFS专业提供五个集中课程，使学生能够专注于自己的学位课程并为各种职业道路做准备。除了选择五个重点
Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is an interdisciplinary major focusing on the health and development of individuals across the lifespan, within the context of diverse families and social identities. Students complete foundational coursework in human development (i.e., infancy and childhood, adolescence, emerging and young adulthood, middle and later adulthood/aging), family studies, and evidence-based prevention and intervention programming in human services. Students study theory and emerging research in the field and learn to identify risk and protective factors influencing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development across the lifespan. During their final year, HDFS students apply knowledge and skills from foundational course work through participation in a semester-long internship. Internship is a hallmark of the degree program that serves as a culminating experience preparing students for a professional career with diverse populations, communities, and organizations. The HDFS major offers five concentrations that enable students to specialize within their degree and prepare for a variety of career paths in human services. In addition to selecting one of five concentrations, students have the opportunity to earn the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, work toward Director Qualifications in early childhood settings, or apply to the Major in Early Childhood Education. The HDFS department is committed to promoting the success and well-being of students from heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences.