The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan through research and preparation of graduates for research, teaching, and professional practice. Recognizing, understanding and addressing the central role of diversity and interdependence among families and communities in the process of human development are core values of the department.

Areas of study include child development, youth development, lifespan human development, family diversity and couple and family therapy. Knowledge of basic research and the application of research to improving the lives of individuals in the context of the family, the community, and policy are emphasized. Practical experiences in real-world settings are incorporated into all areas of study. The Child Development Laboratory and the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic are part of the department.

At the undergraduate level, the focus is on the application of knowledge about individual development and family processes to early childhood education, child and youth services in the community, and services for adults. At the graduate level, this focus is widened to include courses and research experiences with the goal of improving the training of early childhood teachers, preparing professionals who will serve youth in a variety of contexts, and training therapists who provide services to families, couples, and individuals. The department graduate programs also prepare scholars who study child development in the context of family processes, diverse families and family problems, and the process and outcome of therapeutic interventions.