Shape the future of human well-being
Graduate programs in human development and family studies at Oregon State prepare you for careers in research, teaching and applied practice.
Choose from a PhD or MS program with options in applied behavioral health or HDFS research.
You'll work closely with faculty mentors, gain hands-on experience and build the expertise to improve lives across the lifespan.
HDFS graduate programs
Applied Behavior Health Accelerated Master’s Platform
Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform in Applied Behavioral Health lets you begin graduate-level coursework while still an undergrad — saving you time and money as you work toward your HDFS MS Applied Behavioral Health.
HDFS MS Applied Behavioral Health
In Oregon State’s applied behavioral health option, within the HDFS master’s program, you’ll prepare for a hands-on, client-focused career in mental health and human services.
HDFS MS Research Option
In the research option of Oregon State’s MS program in human development and family studies, you’ll explore critical questions about human development, relationships and family systems.
You’ll work closely with faculty to conduct original research that informs policy, strengthens communities and drives change.
HDFS PhD
The Oregon State University doctoral degree program in human development and family studies provides research-based training for an interdisciplinary understanding of individuals and families, preparing you for a successful career in research and teaching.
Student spotlights
Our HDFS graduate students have been awarded competitive scholarships, fellowships and grants — a testament to their innovative and promising scholarly work.
They have also co-authored manuscripts published in well-known developmental and family science journals.
Graduates of the program follow diverse career paths in research and practice, academic and nonacademic tracks.
HDFS Faculty
HDFS faculty are national leaders focused on interdisciplinary research and teaching across four signature areas:
- Transitions across the life course
- Resilience and health across the lifespan
- Families in sociocultural contexts
- Policies and applications of developmental and family science
We’re here to help
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.
For questions regarding application fee waivers, please visit graduate application fee waivers.
To discuss curriculum and research, and for all other questions, please contact the HDFS Graduate Program Director Suzanne Segerstrom, PhD, MPH.
HDFS news and stories
HDFS doctoral student Chloe Horowitz published research finding that a sense of personal control may buffer the cognitive effects of early life trauma in adulthood.
Kelly Chandler and Kathryn Stroppel presented research and insights on work-life fit and workplace flexibility at an OSU PCOSW supervisor empowerment event.
HDFS doctoral student Sara King is one of 24 scholars selected worldwide for the 2026 EADP-EARA-SRA International Summer School in the Netherlands.
David Rothwell has received a competitive Russell Sage Foundation grant to study how paid family leave policies affect mothers' employment and use of public assistance in Oregon.
Megan McClelland moderated a Children & Screens national panel on self-regulation and joined a PBS Kids school readiness webinar, sharing her expertise in human development and family sciences.
Megan McClelland and colleagues published two new studies on early childhood self-regulation and executive function, including research spanning Poland, Iran and the United States.