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Human Development and Family Sciences
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 news and stories
Students from Human Development and Family Sciences Club spent their Saturday volunteering at Vina Moses, supporting an organization that provides essential free aid to over 8,000 people annually—from those experiencing homelessness to families struggling to make ends meet.
Lexi Geampa's journey from homelessness to OSU graduation shows how one caring mentor can change a life. Now she's using her HDFS degree to help others.
The HDFS program is strengthening its partnership with Linn-Benton Community College to support students interested in transferring to OSU. As part of the collaboration, LBCC students and faculty recently visited campus to tour facilities, meet advisors, explore resources, visit the OSU Child Development Center, and enjoy lunch in the Memorial Union.
Associate Professor of Practice Barb Brody, Professor Shannon Lipscomb and Assistant Professor of Practice Megan Pratt received the National ESP Diversity Team Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) for their submission, "Tri-Learner Model of Extension Collaboration: Local-State-Campus Partnership.”
Lexi Geampa shares her journey from teaching and research to advocating for youth. Learn how scholarships have shaped her career path and her passion for supporting children and families.
Undergraduate researchers presented findings on diverse health topics while developing critical thinking and presentation skills through the Healthy Discoveries/URSA Engage Ambassador Program.