The Human Development and Family Science program at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences offers students a diverse curriculum exploring human development across the lifespan. In addition to the coursework of the program, students gain valuable hands-on experience through their capstone internship opportunities. They also have the opportunity to work alongside faculty on research projects addressing grand challenges relating to health and belonging, cross-cultural issues and child development.

Our interdisciplinary approach, drawing from psychology, sociology and education, prepares graduates to work directly with children and families while making meaningful contributions to our world.

We offer four undergraduate options:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Development and Family Science
• Minor in Human Development and Family Science
• Minor in Child and Family Policy Studies
• Minor in Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

What does the Human Development and Family Science B.S. degree include?

The 124 credit B.S. degree program in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) provides students with a broad foundation covering a range of issues focusing on the healthy development of individuals and families. In addition to core liberal arts courses, students are expected to complete 34 credits of program requirements and nine credits in HDFS electives. There is a particular focus on understanding family processes across cultures. Students have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses such as Development of Children; Development of Immigrant and Refugee Families; Gerontology; Children and Families in Healthcare Settings; Power, Conflict and Violence in Families; Death, Dying and Loss; Human Sexuality; and many others.

The Department of Human Development and Family Science, part of Syracuse University’s oldest and largest college, prepares students to work in specific settings, providing a solid foundation in the study of children and families across the lifespan. Students will learn about the social, emotional and physical development of children while studying relationships within families and in other social contexts, such as schools, workplaces and faith communities.

Minors

Human Development and Family Science

The HDFS minor provides students with a broad foundation covering a range of issues focusing on the healthy development of children and families. This minor captures the diversity of coursework on individuals and families and provides knowledge and skills that can be applied to real-world settings across different settings such as families, schools, workplaces and hospitals. This minor is open to non-HDFS majors.

Child and Family Policy Studies

The Child and Family Policy Studies minor is an interdisciplinary minor that gives students the opportunity to study the development, evaluation and delivery of public policy programs. This minor provides useful skills and experiences for students who go on to pursue careers in public policies and government programming and who want to apply their understanding of child and family development in a variety of policy-related sectors as well as in private sectors. This minor is open to all HDFS majors and non-majors.

Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

Mindfulness and contemplative practice are experiential modes of learning and self-inquiry. Contemplative practices are widely varied and include various forms of meditation, focused thought, writing, creative/performing arts and yoga. Mindfulness and contemplative practices can foster greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and attention, reduce stress and enhance creativity and general well-being. Given these advantages, these skills are of growing interest to researchers and practitioners from diverse fields. The purpose of this minor is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of mindfulness and contemplative study and practice, and opportunities to cultivate these skills in their courses and apply them in their communities.