Human Development and Family Sciences

Nurture lives, transform futures

Corvallis Campus

Ecampus

OSU-Cascades

Study human development and family sciences at Oregon State

Change the world for the better — one person, family and community at a time.

Discover how lives and relationships develop within the context of family, school, work and society.

Use and create scientific knowledge to help people live their healthiest, most successful and resilient lives.

Marilyn Thompson, PhD

School Head, Human Development and Family Sciences

“In HDFS, we study not only how people grow and develop individually and in diverse family structures, but also in social environments such as schools, workplaces and communities. There isn’t a single person who doesn’t grow up in some kind of structural and cultural environment that is central to their lives, and that is one of the most interesting things about the field.

HDFS is about centering health and well-being in promoting healthy development through the lifespan. HDFS is fundamental to understanding and supporting positive growth, learning and development in the context of families and our multifaceted social structures.”

HDFS stories and news

Shaping a career dedicated to healthy aging
HDFS alum Eric Cerino, PhD ’19, shares his path to a fulfilling career in human development and healthy aging research
Building a career in behavioral health counseling
Nikki Marr, ’19, shares how her HDFS degree shaped her path to becoming a behavioral health counselor
Former ASU professor to lead HDFS into bold new future
Marilyn Thompson shares her thoughts on why she loves the field and why more students should consider a degree in HDFS
Belonging boosts health
OSU-Cascades, OHSU researchers confirm connection in Central Oregon between community belonging and health.
It’s a beautiful life, built by a hardworking Beaver
Home economics alum visits campus 70 years after graduation
Kelly Chandler on work-family integration and justice
College of Health researcher Kelly Chandler discusses work-family integration, challenging the 'have it all' narrative and advocating for systemic changes to support working mothers.