Quick Links
HDFS Minor
Inspire growth and positive development. Promote change within diverse communities and global contexts. Achieve stronger interpersonal, family and work relationships. Click here
Why Human Development & Family Studies?
We are a program of study, for both graduate and undergraduate students, addressing the needs of children, adults and families across the life course. We do more than just work with people…we make a difference in people’s lives.
Work with people in the real world
You won’t just read about the world - you’ll go out and make a difference.
- Family & community services
- Legislative advocacy
- Non-profit administration
- Counseling
- Family law
- Early childhood education
- Disabilities and early intervention
Contact Us
If you would like more information about any of our programs, please contact us at hdfs-dept@udel.edu, or call us at 302-831-6500.
HDFS News
John B. Bishop, professor of human development and family studies, was honored by the International Association of Counseling Services for "distinguished service to the association and the university and college counseling community." UDaily, For the Record 4/26/13.
Dr. Bahira Trask, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, was invited to present to at the United Nations on Feb. 14 as part of the 51st Session of the Commission for Social Development. Trask’s presentation, “Family Empowerment: Intergenerational Relationships and the Third Phase,” was one of four addressing the topic “Barriers Confronting Older Persons and Families.” UDaily, For the Record 2/22/13.
Marissa Ranauto, Kelsey Mooney, Callye Phillips and Rebecca Vitelli, students from the fall course HDFS 355 Professional Issues in Early Childhood Education taught by Myae Han, associate professor of human development and family studies, decided to advocate for change in early childhood classroom recess procedures through their project titled “Rescue Recess.” Click here to read the UDaily article.
Steven Eidelman, H Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Development and Family Studies was recognized as “someone who has opened doors, knocked down barriers and has led the way to knowing that they and we can do better”at the National Inclusion Project's ninth annual Champions Gala in Washington DC. Click here to read the UDaily article.
Nicole Byers (2012, Human Services) is recognized in the Delaware Center for Justice's Commentary Autumn Newsletter 2012. Nicole worked with the DCJ as an advocate for youth in foster care is now a full-time Assistant to Delaware's Lt. Governor. Click here to read the Commentary article.
Dr. Bahira Sherif Trask presented a TED lecture on families and globalization at the Delaware Art Museum. Dr. Trask's current research focuses on the relationship between globalization and family change in Western and non-Western contexts. View it on youtube ®
The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities (NLCDD) hosted the first national assembly of the Leadership Institute for University Centers for Excellence in Development Disabilities. The NLCDD is a partnership of 11 major national disabilities organizations. Click here to read the UDaily article.
HDFS Events
May 14 - Last Day of Classes
May 15 - Reading Day
May 16-23 Final Examinations
May 24 - Doctoral Hooding, Honors degree breakfast
May 25 - Commencement
May 27 - Memorial Day - University Offices Closed
May 31 - Alumni Weekend
June 3 - First Summer Session begins
