Human Development and Family Studies

Overview

Students receive the knowledge and skills needed to help individuals and families across the lifespan to flourish in a global society. The degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in diverse settings, including family and community-based social services, prevention, nonprofit administration and family and community intervention. Core coursework focuses on development across the lifespan and understanding family relationships, the environments in which individuals live and learn and the unique strengths and needs of diverse individuals and families.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this Human Development and Family Studies program from Kent State University will be able to:

• Identify physical, cognitive, emotional and social dimensions of human development and family relationships.

• Identify reciprocal influences of family, school, work and community contexts on human development.

• Identify practical implications of human development and family relationship concepts.

• Demonstrate an understanding of program development, delivery and evaluation.

• Access scholarly sources and critically evaluate the quality of empirical research.

• Demonstrate an understanding of theories, methods and principles of research.

• Effectively communicate ideas in oral presentations and written papers.

• Recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families.

• Apply knowledge of human development and family relationships through involvement with and study of diverse domestic and international populations.