Oregon State is ranked fifth in the U.S. for studying human development and family sciences by College Factual. As an HDFS major, your coursework will take you across the lifespan from early childhood through the end of life, examining the challenges facing contemporary families and communities. Nearly 100% of our student get hands-on experience through internships and service-learning projects with more than 60 agencies and nonprofits in Central Oregon and statewide. You’ll graduate with a broad understanding of what it means to be human, along with tools to help others live better lives.

Mission Statement

The mission of the department of human development and family sciences is to advance and transmit knowledge that improves the well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan.

Human Development and Family Sciences Learning Goals and Objectives

Upon satisfactory completion of the degree students will be able to:

  • Understand the methods by which public health identifies potential causes of population health status, and identifies potential targets for intervention;
  • Describe the fundamental roles of public health and how those roles are operationalized in public health organization, funding, workforce, and regulations;
  • Translate and apply relevant theory and research to practice with individuals, families, and communities
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ecological contexts in which individuals and families develop.
  • Demonstrate a value for diversity in practice with individuals, families and communities; and
  • Critically evaluate public policy with relevance to individual and family wellbeing.