Making a difference through research and practice

The University of Delaware’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences is an academic unit that prepares undergraduate and graduate students for a career in early childhood education, family studies or human services.

We value diversity, inclusion and the promotion of positive human development within the rapidly changing global environment in which we live. By providing a rigorous curriculum and practical field experience, our students develop the skills to become leaders in their fields. Our students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to conduct research and provide service throughout the region, country and world. Our programs prepare students to make a differences by working in areas such as family and community services, non-profit administration, family law, disability services, counseling and early childhood education.

Our department, within the College of Education and Human Development, offers undergraduate programs in Human Services, Early Childhood Education, and Human Relations Administration and graduate programs for students pursuing a Master of Science or Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies, or a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Programming.