Building Healthier Individuals, Stronger Families,

and Thriving Communities

 

Prepare for impactful careers in human development, family services, nutrition, public health, and community wellness through hands-on learning, research, and community engagement.

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Human Sciences prepares future professionals who improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and service. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to address challenges in human development, family relationships, nutrition, health, and community well-being. Through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and community engagement, our graduates are equipped to become leaders in human services, public health, nutrition, family advocacy, and related professions.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Human Sciences prepares students for employment and graduate study in Human Development and Family Science and Food, Nutrition, and Community Health Sciences. Through education, research, and outreach, we promote positive well-being, healthy relationships, and access to resources that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSION

Academic Excellence
Deliver rigorous, high-quality academic programs that prepare students for graduate education, professional careers, leadership opportunities, and lifelong success.

Land-Grant Engagement
Advance the University’s land-grant mission through excellence in teaching, research, and extension while fostering partnerships that address evolving community needs and societal challenges.

Student Success and Support
Provide comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, cultural enrichment, and innovative instructional practices that promote personal, professional, and social development.

Experiential Learning and Professional Preparation
Offer diverse hands-on learning experiences that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in human sciences professions and make meaningful contributions to society.

 

Understanding People. Strengthening Families. Transforming Communities.

The Human Development and Family Science program examines how individuals grow, develop, and interact throughout the lifespan. Students gain research-based knowledge of human development while exploring solutions to challenges affecting children, adults, families, and aging populations, particularly within underserved communities. Through coursework, experiential learning, and community engagement, students develop the skills needed to support healthy relationships, advocate for families, and improve quality of life across generations.

Why Choose HDFS?

    • Study human development from infancy through late adulthood
    • Learn strategies that strengthen families and communities
    • Gain practical experience working with diverse populations
    • Explore careers in family services, youth development, aging services, and community programs
    • Prepare for graduate study and professional certifications

Concentration Areas
Gerontology and Elderly Care
Examine the aging process and develop specialized skills to support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of older adults.

Marriage, Success and Lifelong Relationships
Study relationship development, family dynamics, communication, and strategies that promote healthy and enduring partnerships.

Childcare Management (CDA)
Prepare for leadership roles in early childhood education and childcare settings while developing competencies aligned with Child Development Associate (CDA) standards.

Adult Daycare and Late-Life Respite Care
Learn to provide quality care, support services, and resources that enhance the lives of older adults and assist family caregivers.

Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers as:

    • Family Life Educators
    • Child and Youth Program Coordinators
    • Family Services Specialists
    • Community Outreach Coordinators
    • Childcare Center Directors
    • Aging Services Professionals
    • Case Managers
    • Human Services Professionals

Advancing Health Through Nutrition, Education, and Community Impact.

The Food, Nutrition and Community Health Sciences program prepares students to address health and wellness challenges through evidence-based nutrition, public health education, and community engagement. Students develop the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to promote healthy lifestyles, improve health outcomes, and address health disparities. Through hands-on learning, community partnerships, and experiential opportunities, graduates are prepared to become leaders in nutrition, health promotion, and public health.

Why Choose FNCHS?

    • Learn from experienced faculty with expertise in nutrition and health sciences
    • Explore the relationship between nutrition, wellness, and disease prevention
    • Gain practical experience through community-based learning
    • Address public health challenges affecting diverse populations
    • Prepare for careers in health promotion, nutrition, and community health.

Concentration Areas
Nutrition Science
Study the role of nutrients in human growth, development, and overall health, and promote evidence-based dietary practices.

Public Health
Develop strategies to improve and protect the health of individuals, families, and communities through education, prevention, and health promotion.

Global Health and Community Wellness
Explore global health challenges while promoting equitable access to healthcare and wellness resources.

Public Health and Environmental Health
Examine how environmental factors influence human health and develop solutions that promote healthier communities.

Public Health and Maternal & Child Health
Focus on improving health outcomes for mothers, infants, children, and families through education, policy, and community-based interventions.

Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers as:

    • Community Health Educators
    • Public Health Specialists
    • Nutrition Program Coordinators
    • Health Promotion Specialists
    • Wellness Coordinators
    • Community Outreach Professionals
    • Maternal and Child Health Advocates
    • Public Health Program Managers

Human Development & Family Science Careers

Food, Nutrition & Community Health Sciences Careers

Current Outlook:

  • Health Education Specialists are projected to grow 4% from 2024-2034.
    Community Health Workers are projected to grow 11% from 2024-2034, much faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
  • Overall, healthcare occupations are projected to grow much faster than average, with approximately 1.9 million openings annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).

Want to learn more?
Explore salary information, job growth projections, and career requirements through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Meet Our Faculty

The faculty of the Department of Human Sciences are dedicated educators, researchers, mentors, and community leaders committed to student success. Bringing together expertise in human development, family science, nutrition, public health, and community wellness, our faculty provide students with the knowledge, guidance, and hands-on learning experiences needed to excel in their chosen careers.

Through innovative teaching, meaningful research, and community engagement, our faculty prepare students to address real-world challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities. Beyond the classroom, they serve as mentors who support academic achievement, professional development, leadership growth, and lifelong learning.

Whether guiding undergraduate research, facilitating experiential learning opportunities, or connecting students with industry and community partners, our faculty are invested in helping every student reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.

Learn more about the accomplished faculty members who are shaping the next generation of human sciences professionals.