Department of Human Development and Family Sciences
567 undergraduate students Degrees offered |
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Dr. Carolyn Aldwin, Chair 324 Milam Hall Corvallis, OR 97331-5102 541-737-2024 541-737-1076 (fax) carolyn.aldwin@oregonstate.edu |
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.
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 importance 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.
Transitions across the Life Course
The life course can be characterized in terms of important role transitions that occur in different periods of life and in different social contexts.
Risk and Resilience across the Life Span
Developmental and aging processes must be understood in relation to the risk and protective factors of individuals, as well as those stemming from families, historical changes, and culture.
Developmental and Family Research Methods
Understanding developmental and aging processes requires sensitive research designs and advanced statistical analysis. Our graduate program provides rigorous training in research methods for developmental and family sciences.
Developmental and family science requires an interdisciplinary approach. Our research and teaching focus broadly on optimal development across the life span for individuals and families in a changing sociohistorical context. Working together, faculty and students study how children develop into competent individuals, how adolescents make the transition to adulthood, how adults develop across adulthood and into late life, and a host of other issues that are central to living a quality life.
Human Development and Family Sciences links with many Outreach programs including Extension Family and Community Development, the Bates Family Study Center, the new Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, Early Childhood Leadership Directions, the Gerontology Program, and Rural Links. For more information, please see descriptions under Outreach.
Please visit Synergies Newsletter for current stories within our department.
News & Events
- Current Position Openings in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
- New resource fee. More...
- Human Development and Leadership Seminar slides.
- Student clubs! More...
You may also want to visit...
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities
- Center for Healthy Aging Research
- College of Health and Human Sciences Methodology Core
- Our Outreach Programs: Bates Family Study Center, Early Childhood Leadership Directions, Gerontology Program, Rural Links
- Faculty Resources
- Writing in HDFS
