Human Development and Family Studies

Overview

Students in the Human Development and Family Studies program at University of Hawaii at Manoa gain a social systems perspective of how families operate by studying the theoretical and applied literature that addresses the biological, social, cultural, psychological, and economic well-being of individuals and families and the environments in which they live.

Students also study the changing functions of the family, the roles of its members, and the community programs and policies that affect the decisions and well-being of families and consumers. HDFS courses provide students with knowledge that they can apply to their personal development and family life. An internship in the student’s area of interest is an integral part of the curriculum.

Program Outcomes

The curriculum prepares students to work proactively in multicultural settings to enhance the quality of family life, providing students with an understanding of:

• The changing needs and dynamics of families over time;

• The management of personal, family, and community resources to meet these needs;

• The growth and development of individuals over the human life cycle;

• The interrelationship of individuals, families, and communities in the context of diverse socio-economic and cultural systems.