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.
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Our programs prepare students to make a difference by working in areas such as family and community services, non-profits, family law, disability services, counseling and early childhood education.
By combining intensive coursework with multiple field placements, our students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in inclusive classrooms.
Graduates join the fields of human services, psychology, public policy, and social work helping to support individuals and families in their communities.
This program teaches students how to facilitate workplace training and navigate legal aspects of workplace administration.
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Each member of the HDFS faculty has their own strengths—skills they are willing to share with students through the courses they teach, through meetings with students or through professional collaborations. HDFS has a tremendous graduate student community that provides support to its students. The community has been cultivated from within to create camaraderie and collaboration among the graduate students.