The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) has long been committed to solving global challenges around health and well-being. Today, with two departments from Falk College now part of A&S, students and faculty now have even more avenues for collaboration and creativity in these important areas. The Marriage and Family Therapy and Human Development and Family Science departments have recently combined and will now be known together in A&S as the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS).

HDFS focuses on the scientific study of social, physical, emotional and behavioral development. This interdisciplinary department, which draws from psychology, sociology and education, is a natural addition to other A&S departments and programs including psychology, communication sciences and disorders, health humanities, LGBTQ studies, neuroscience, and women’s and gender studies. Cross-program partnerships will expand student learning opportunities in health-adjacent fields, drive research innovation and significantly enhance the College’s collective impact on individual and community well-being.

A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi says, “I’m delighted to welcome the faculty, staff and students of HDFS to the College of Arts and Sciences. This expansion of our academic offerings underscores our strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses pressing issues and contributes to the public good.”

With the arrival of HDFS, A&S | Maxwell students now have access to a broader and deeper array of courses and research opportunities. Students will work alongside HDFS faculty to explore how individuals and families grow and thrive, with a focus on relationships, cultural and societal influences, and public policy. This research spans topics such as child and adolescent development, aging, family dynamics, mindfulness and evidence-based interventions that promote well-being across communities.

“Joining the College of Arts and Sciences marks an exciting new chapter for our newly integrated department,” says Rachel Razza, professor of human development and family science, who was recently named A&S associate dean of interdisciplinary affairs and partnerships to help oversee the smooth transition of Falk programs to A&S. “This move will open the door to transformative partnerships across disciplines and foster connections that create powerful opportunities for research, innovation and real-world impact among our students and faculty.”

HDFS programs include:

• B.S. in Human Development and Family Science;
• Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science;
• Minor in Child and Family Policy Studies;
• Minor in Gerontology;
• Minor in Human Development and Family Science; and
• Minor in Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies.

SU will begin transferring students from Falk to A&S in July, with matriculation set for the start of the Fall semester. Questions about HDFS programs can be directed to department chair Dyane Watson (dkwatson@syr.edu).