CHHS Recognition Ceremonies Delayed | May 16, 2026
Colorado State University is anticipating weather this afternoon around 3:30-4 p.m. The College of Health and Human Sciences recognition ceremonies at Moby Arena will be delayed. The Design and Merchandising, Human Development and Family Studies, School of Education, and School of Social Work recognition ceremony will now start at 5:30 p.m. (guest entry and student lineup at 4:30 p.m.). The Construction Management, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Health and Exercise Science recognition ceremony will now start at 8 p.m. (guest entry and student lineup at 7 p.m.) Find more ceremony details.
What is Human Development and Family Studies?
Human development and family studies focuses on processes of development across the lifespan at the individual level and within families. At the level of the individual, the emphasis is on the causes and correlates of developmental change and stability across the lifespan. Topics of study include biological bases of development, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and development of and in social relationships across the lifespan.
Graduates of the HDFS Specialization enter careers in different human service and educational settings, including schools, behavioral health organizations, advocacy organizations, organizations serving older adults, and organizations focusing on social policy and public health issues.
What does the program look like?
You can expect to complete the HDFS Individualized Specialization degree in two academic years as a full-time student. Your summer sessions may involve research on a specific project with your adviser or additional coursework. Take a moment to learn about the required courses you will take. All students in this specialization obtain in-depth coursework in:
Lifespan Development, Normative Family Functioning
Risk and Resilience Across the Lifespan, Prevention Science Theory
Research Methods and Grant Writing
HDFS Individualized Specialization Curriculum
Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Individualized Specialization
Gain Research Experience
Throughout their education, graduate students will be able to work closely with faculty to strengthen their understanding of how to generate and apply findings from rigorously designed research studies.
You will be able to contribute to scientific knowledge and learn how to plan and execute well-designed research studies. If you have an applied focus, you will also learn how to translate the data from studies into applications in real-world contexts.
As a graduate student, you will work with research faculty to study processes of individual development and processes of family development.
Careers in Human Development and Family Studies
Our Human Development and Family Studies—Individualized Specialization master’s program allows you to individualize your coursework so that you can create an optimal match between your education and your career goals. Your adviser will work with you to select those courses that will give you a competitive advantage as you step into your new career.
Researcher or Program Evaluator
Focus your coursework on basic and applied research, study design, and technical writing.
Human Services Planner or Analyst
Focus your coursework with the aim to enter a career in human services and/or educational settings, including schools, behavioral health organizations, or organizations focusing on social policy and public health.
Interventionist
Design your coursework with the aim to assist with the implementation of intervention programs, the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected by such programs, and the dissemination of research findings to a variety of audiences.
We realize that most graduate students need financial support for their graduate education, and most of our students do receive such support. Learn more about financial options that work for you.
