The Department of Human Development and Family Science focuses on the scientific study of social, physical, emotional and behavioral development across the lifespan, with a critical emphasis on clinical and programmatic efforts to support individuals and families. Our faculty and students alike strive to understand the dynamics of human relationships, learn more about human development and make lives better.

Whatever career you pursue, a background in human development and family science—the scientific study of individuals and families—enhances your employability. Just as importantly, it helps you understand yourself, your relationships and societal needs. These interdisciplinary programs draw from psychology, sociology and education—offering unlimited potential to change the world. The change you want to see starts with you—and it starts today.

Human development and family science teaching and research across all undergraduate and graduate programs cover distinct areas:

• Life-span Development: understanding how humans develop across cross-cultural contexts
• Social, Physical and Emotional Development: exploring how various factors shape human growth
• Family Dynamics: examining relationships and interactions within family systems
• Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): strengthening relationships and healing families, exploring therapeutic approaches that create positive change and understanding systemic perspectives on human connections
• Research Training: applying scientific methods to study human development and families

Ask our faculty about research opportunities on topics like cross-cultural issues, mindfulness and self-regulation in children, or aging.

We’re proud to be the first accredited MFT master's degree in the country and the first and only accredited Ph.D. in MFT in New York State. Syracuse University offers a renowned Couple and Family Therapy Center, where graduate students gain real-world experience with therapy rooms equipped for live and digitally recorded supervision.

When you study human development and family science, you gain skills to succeed in graduate school, professional environments and diverse workplaces. Our programs prepare students to work in many contexts, but particularly in areas that help support individuals and families.

Human development and family science degrees can lead to positions in:

• Child Life Specialists
• Marriage and family therapy
• Education
• Gerontology and elder care
• Mental health support
• Social work
• Community development
• Human resources
• Health and human services administration
• Research institutes
• Higher education

• Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science
• Minors including Human Development and Family Science, Child and Family Policy, Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies, and Gerontology
• Ph.D. degrees in Human Development and Family Science
• The first accredited MFT master's degree in the country
• The first and only accredited Ph.D. in MFT in New York State

Human Development and Family Science faculty are distinguished professionals known for their achievements in research, their commitment to teaching, clinical expertise and active engagement in community settings.