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Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Department of Human Development and Family Studies Enhancing Healthy Development

Through training and research, we examine human development across the lifespan in the context of families, schools, communities, and culture.

Our Human Development and Family Studies Programs

Our programs are the pathway for you to learn about the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development in humans. You will apply your knowledge on issues relating to stages across the lifespan and how it impacts culture and families.

Explore Programs and Degrees
Laura Ferrare and Dr. Rachel Graham Lucas-Thompson consult as Madison Lampe volunteers for an eye-tracking research project in Lucas-Thompson's lab.

Learning Spaces Learning in Action

Experiential Learning Opportunities

You have the option to do a 90-hour practicum in addition to your 200-320 hour internship. There are opportunities to get involved in research, teaching, and peer advising too.

A researcher explains a questionnaire to a study participant.

Campus Connections

Campus Connections pairs community youth in one-on-one mentoring relationships with undergraduate Colorado State University students.

Students at Campus Connections

Early Childhood Center

The ECC offers programming for young children, trains students for careers in the field of early childhood, and provides opportunities for research related to children, families, and early childhood education.

Student intern holding a child at the ECC

Connecting to the Community

Asset 315 Career Opportunities

There’s a whole range of fast-growing career fields for graduates in human development and family studies.

Asset 370 Community Outreach

We are dedicated to making a positive impact on health and wellness through education programs, volunteer services, and events.

Asset 86 HDFS Alumni

Our alumni are making important contributions in the fields of human development and family studies. Keep in touch with us through the resources on this page.

Asset 11 Connecting to the Community Centers for Counseling, Assessment, and Mentoring

Center for Family and Couple Therapy
Center for Trauma and Resilience at CSU
Campus Connections
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
GrandCARES Project
Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging
Early Childhood Center
Prevention Research Center

Black Rams Matter

We stand in solidarity with our Black community, and we wholeheartedly endorse the sentiments expressed by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the President of Colorado State University, and the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is committed to addressing racism and anti-Blackness at all levels, including institutional and individual, and aligning our actions with all efforts to advance social justice.

  • Asset 344 79% students had their plans secured within six months of graduation
  • HDFS is committed to the land-grant mission of engagement We showcase our engagement in several centers in the department and others with whom we are affiliated
  • Asset 219 96% students complete internships

Making an Impact Human Development and Family Studies News

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Human Development and Family Studies Upcoming Events

OUR HOME College of Health and Human Sciences

Human Development and Family Studies is one of eight academic units housed within the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Asset 326 About CHHS

We improve health and well-being in all aspects of the human experience. Our goal is to change lives for the better.

Asset 90 CHHS Academics

Whether you’re building technical skills for a chosen profession or following a passion for helping people, each of our majors and degrees are designed around making connections while you learn — with faculty, employers, professionals, and people in the community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CHHS

We emphasize a caring and supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued and all voices are heard.

Research and Creative Scholarship in CHHS

As a human-centered college, we believe that research should not only contribute to scientific knowledge, but also be translated into programs, policies, and applications that put that knowledge to work.

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