The Department of Human Development and Family Studies
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies houses a diverse collection of scholars with content expertise in family interactions and human development in a variety of settings. This interdisciplinary approach to the study of human interactions provides excellent training at both the undergraduate and graduate levels of education. Students within this department have the opportunity to learn and specialize in the areas of:
- Adolescence and Youth
- Adult Development and Aging
- Infancy and Childhood
- Marriage and Family Relationships
- Marriage and Family Therapy
In addition to the core courses required for each of the emphases or specializations, students have the opportunity to pursue their educational and occupational goals with a wide range of curricular and extracurricular activities, including elective graduate courses in the department as well as designated courses in related graduate programs at USU.
Academics
Undergraduate Majors

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)
HDFS students gain the knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers serving individuals and families across the lifespan. Emphases include:
- Family and Community Services
- Child Development
- Family Finance
- Human Development Lifespan

The FLS degree offered 100% online gives students the opportunity for knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers serving individuals and families across the lifespan. Emphases include:
- Family Relations
- Human Development
Undergraduate Minors and Certificates

Available Minors & Certificates
Graduate Programs

The MS program supports graduate students in research and thesis writing by providing qualified faculty members, teaching opportunities, and more.

Master of Human Development and Family Studies (MHDFS)
The MHDFS program is designed to prepare students for professional roles providing education and services to individuals and families in applied settings.

Marriage and Family Therapy (MS, MMFT, PhD)
The Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy are designed to prepare future therapy professionals in the field.

Doctor of Philosophy in Family and Human Development (PhD)
The PhD in Family and Human Development provides strong integrative training in theory, research methods, and statistics relevant to Family Relations, Human Development, or Marriage and Family Therapy.