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-Human Services student JJ Admire-Novak discusses her internship at the Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center, where she supports people experiencing houselessness.
HDFS doctoral student Mehwish Dawood shared research on parenting styles and child engagement at SSHD 2025, highlighting the role of family-teacher relationships in early learning.
The HDFS Club volunteered at Vina Moses on Dec. 6 and launched its Giving Tree Toy Drive to support families in need.
David Rothwell, Knudson Chair in Family Policy and associate professor of human development and family sciences, spoke with The Oregonian about the implications of “Trump Accounts” on child well-being across Oregon.
Mary Arnold co-edited a new volume that brings together scholars and practitioners to bridge research and practice in positive youth development.
Professor Emerita Carolyn Aldwin received the Distinguished Lifetime Career Award from the Society for the Study of Human Development, recognizing her decades of influential research on stress, coping, aging and health.