MS in Human Development and Family Studies

Human development and family studies offers graduate work leading to master of Science and doctor of philosophy degrees. Graduate programs take a multidisciplinary approach, preparing students for college and university teaching and research, as well as development, administration, and evaluation of programs serving individuals and families across the lifespan. 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 recognizes the critical importance of culture and gender, diversity, and contemporary global perspectives in the discovery of knowledge. We have research emphases in child development, adolescence, adult development and aging, families, rural communities, and cross-national comparison. Research is an important focus of the Graduate Program in Human Development and Family Studies. The HDFS faculty includes nationally recognized scholars who are widely published in areas such as families and aging; family communication and conflict; child, adolescent, and adult development; intergenerational family relationships; family structure; and gender. We emphasize both quantitative and qualitative methodology. Careers Upon completing graduate study in HDFS, alumni are employed at colleges and universities known for teaching and research, community colleges, public and private research institutes, and federal and state agencies. Some enter private consulting and practice. Graduates also contribute to program and policy development and analysis for employers such as the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Providence Hospital Medical Center, Oregon Social Learning Center, and divisions of state government such as Oregon Adult and Family Services and Oregon Senior and Disabled Services.