Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)
The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) examines human development within the context of families, schools, work, communities, and other social and cultural environments. Recognizing the diversity and challenges of contemporary life, our faculty and students study how environments can enhance or limit development from early childhood through the end of life. Click here to read our Diversity Statement.
The HDFS Department Vision
Human Development and Family Sciences is committed to ensuring the optimal development and well being of individuals and families across the life course. Our transformational research, excellence in instruction, and active community engagement make us leaders in the advancement and application of scientific knowledge toward innovative solutions to the pressing challenges that confront families and individuals today.
Alexis J. Walker
Department Chair
Research
Our research is interdisciplinary with signature themes in (a) transitions across the life course, (b) risk and resilience across the life span, and (c) developmental and family research methods. Our faculty recognize the critical important of culture and gender; diversity; and contemporary, global perspectives in the discovery of knowledge. We have research emphases in child development, adult development and aging, families, rural communities, and cross-national comparison.