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 Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences is to advance and transmit knowledge that improves the well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan.
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.