Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies is to enhance diverse individual and family well-being through interdisciplinary, lifespan academic programs, research, service and outreach initiatives. Academic programs prepare students to function as leaders in educational, human service, and clinical settings. Integral to the mission is expansion of our leadership role in the discovery, evaluation, dissemination, and application of knowledge for the benefit of children and adults, families, and communities.

The essential components of the mission are:

• understanding individual and family lifespan development and its implications in applied settings such as early childhood education programs, youth programs, colleges and universities, personal financial counseling, family therapy, senior centers and nursing homes;
  
• understanding the cultural, economic, sociological and political forces that affect individuals and families;
  
• embracing diversity and developing culturally competent faculty, staff, and students;
  
• improving programs and services for children, adolescents, younger and older adults, college students, and families;
  
• shaping public policy related to individuals and families through high quality teaching, research, service and outreach.